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

Shea Langeliers could become the buzziest name at the deadline, but the A’s will resist the temptation to make the biggest big-leaguer-for-prospect splash for the second straight summer. — The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 24 July 2026

The next election In my analysis, whatever the temptations of partisan tribalism, neither narrative around mail ballots can be taken at face value. — Andrew E. Busch, The Conversation, 23 July 2026

There is a real temptation to flood the market the second something starts working. — Joel Goldstein, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Rather than trying to explain every market move in real time, Cramer said that investors should focus on owning quality companies and resist the temptation to chase every headline. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 22 July 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