tempting

adjective

tempt·​ing ˈtem(p)-tiŋ How to pronounce tempting (audio)
: having an appeal : enticing
a tempting offer
temptingly adverb

Examples of tempting in a Sentence

The desserts look very tempting. It is tempting to think of him as the next American president.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep reading to find out who else is starring in Perfect Match season 3. Alex Zamora first stirred things up as one of the tempting singles on Netflix's debut season of the long-running Temptation Island. Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 26 June 2025 But mountain mint is a North American native that behaves much more politely in gardens and is every bit as tempting to beneficial insects as standard mint. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2025 Connecticut is best known on license plates as the Constitution state, but beginning today at midnight, the plate themes will get more tempting. Bill Field, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025 The opportunity to erase $254 million owed Devers off the books was simply too tempting. Bill Speros, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tempting

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of tempt

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tempting was in 1588

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tempting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempting. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

tempting

adjective
tempt·​ing ˈtem(p)-tiŋ How to pronounce tempting (audio)
: having a strong attraction
the food all looked tempting
temptingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on tempting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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