tantalize

verb

Definition of tantalizenext
as in to intrigue
to cause (someone) to feel interest or excitement about something that is very attractive, appealing, etc. She was tantalized by the possibility of earning a lot of money quickly.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of tantalize That narrative is certainly tantalizing given Amazon dropped the film shortly after making $50 billion deal with OpenAI in February. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 June 2026 Casa Jipi Nebbiolo The balance between brash berries and tantalizing smoke makes Casa Jipi’s Nebbiolo deeply drinkable. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 June 2026 That said, the data from those simulations really are tantalizing. — IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2026 Vietnam Endless adventure and dishes to tantalize your taste buds await in Vietnam. — Elizabeth Preske, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tantalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tantalize
  1. intrigue
  2. excite
  3. thrill
Verb
  • Spikerman, a third-round pick from 2024, intrigued other teams because of his strong defense in center field and some offensive improvements this season.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • If this topic intrigues you, join us at the free, online Work on Purpose Summit on July 30, 2026.
    — Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of intrigue
Verb
  • Moments like the one below against Eintracht Frankfurt should excite Madrid fans.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Crow’s theory is that some of his preferred candidates—Marine drill sergeants, federal prosecutors—are more likely to excite those who are down on both parties.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 27 July 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • Together with our partners at the BBC, we are thrilled to be working with the dream team of David, Lenny, Claire, Matthew and Element Pictures to bring this beautiful love story to life.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
  • For its part, Netflix has not been thrilled with Afram’s response to the situation either.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of thrill

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tantalized
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Cite this Entry

“Tantalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tantalize. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tantalize

Nglish: Translation of tantalize for Spanish Speakers

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