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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Recent Examples of tantalize
His athleticism and skill set is tantalizing, to be sure, but that was true for players like Brandan Wright, Tyrus Thompson and Nerlens Noel.
—
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 Mar. 2026
Designer Michael Rider knows that his job is not to tantalize the world with his ego, a tendency that has brought us countless collections of oversized, lumpy garments that are unrealistic for people to wear, but to enchant them with terrific clothes.
—Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
The name of her beloved has been lost to time, leaving a tantalizing fragment of a story that will never be fully told.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026
That’s what makes a potential Robert Thomas deal so tantalizing here.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tantalize
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 Mar. 2026
Designer Michael Rider knows that his job is not to tantalize the world with his ego, a tendency that has brought us countless collections of oversized, lumpy garments that are unrealistic for people to wear, but to enchant them with terrific clothes.
—Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
The name of her beloved has been lost to time, leaving a tantalizing fragment of a story that will never be fully told.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026
That’s what makes a potential Robert Thomas deal so tantalizing here.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tantalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tantalize
Verb
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The band members took note of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl triumph, entirely in Spanish, and they’re intrigued by the idea of following his lead.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
13 Apr. 2026
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Apple Basket Many products in the collection also feature an apple motif, including a charming pillow and even a wooden salt cellar and doormat, but we’re most intrigued by the bamboo and rattan apple basket.—
Joseph Erbentraut,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Everyone was excited going into every game.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
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Something about them having passed away allows for them to be presented on a level playing field, and this is what excites me about this exhibit.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Everything about him is thrilling.—
Lisa Kudrow,
Time,
15 Apr. 2026
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The Portland Trail Blazers are back in the playoffs for the first time in half a decade after storming into Phoenix to defeat the Suns in a thrilling NBA Play-In Tournament showdown.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tantalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tantalize. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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