temptation

noun

temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil : enticement

2

: something tempting : a cause or occasion of enticement

Synonyms of temptation

• seduction
• lure

Examples of temptation in a Sentence

Money is always a temptation.

The dessert menu has a lot of delicious temptations.

the temptations of the city

Recent Examples on the Web

What leaders should resist is the temptation to let bold bets and big promises exempt AI from the discipline applied to every other dollar. — Vinay Kuruvila, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The temptation is to diagnose this as a communication problem — more data, clearer messaging, a better slide deck. — Owen Fitzpatrick, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Cramer said that’s why investors should resist the temptation to jump in and out of the market. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026

The temptation to disparage the other parent, especially in front of the children, can damage your own custody standing — and in extreme cases, be characterized as parental alienation. — Melissa Needle, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English temptacioun "testing, enticement to sin," borrowed from Anglo-French tentacion, borrowed from Late Latin temptātiōn-, temptātiō "enticement to sin," going back to Latin, "attempt, attack," from temptāre "to feel, test, attempt, make an assault on, attack" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at tempt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for temptation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

temptation

noun

temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of tempting : the state of being tempted especially to evil

2

: something tempting