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
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
While in prison for blasphemy, Lee had a risqué vision of Adam and Eve, and concluded that celibacy was the cure for worldly temptation.
—
Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
But every narrative arc — from Charlie’s simmering loneliness to Alani’s relationship with her parents, to Maya’s temptation to fall back into the orbit of her old boss (Colin Woodell) and Tallulah’s anxiety about taking the next step into fame — was designed to culminate in New York.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 22 Dec. 2025
While the elections are widely expected to lack legitimacy, the temptation to use them as a pretext for normalization remains significant.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 22 Dec. 2025
Alas, the temptation for brands is just too strong sometimes, as was the case with the new Blade and Bow 30 Year Old—a bourbon that, unsurprisingly at this age, just doesn’t taste all that good.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temptation
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Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
But every narrative arc — from Charlie’s simmering loneliness to Alani’s relationship with her parents, to Maya’s temptation to fall back into the orbit of her old boss (Colin Woodell) and Tallulah’s anxiety about taking the next step into fame — was designed to culminate in New York.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 22 Dec. 2025
While the elections are widely expected to lack legitimacy, the temptation to use them as a pretext for normalization remains significant.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 22 Dec. 2025
Alas, the temptation for brands is just too strong sometimes, as was the case with the new Blade and Bow 30 Year Old—a bourbon that, unsurprisingly at this age, just doesn’t taste all that good.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temptation
Cite this Entry
“Temptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temptation. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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