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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
From cracks near its south pole, the moon blasts towering geysers of water vapor, ice and organic molecules into space, which are tantalizing hints of a hidden ocean that could, in theory, be habitable.
—
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Give folks a taste of a team capable of dissecting a top defense, all systems go, for a type of tantalizing 27-21 victory.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
Then, in July 2024, Perseverance found the rock that has tantalized scientists for months.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Taking that into consideration, the Colts may very well try to trade Richardson, who still has tantalizing ability and could potentially flourish in the right environment.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tantalize
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Give folks a taste of a team capable of dissecting a top defense, all systems go, for a type of tantalizing 27-21 victory.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
Then, in July 2024, Perseverance found the rock that has tantalized scientists for months.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Taking that into consideration, the Colts may very well try to trade Richardson, who still has tantalizing ability and could potentially flourish in the right environment.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tantalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tantalize
Verb
-
Byrne was immediately intrigued by Bronstein’s screenplay.—
Rachel Brodsky,
Rolling Stone,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Are you intrigued by the show’s even-soapier approach to the world of first responders?—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But what excites us most is slowing it down.—
Alma Rota,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
-
There’s a lot to be excited about with Zeev Buium, whose playmaking skills and skating ability should provide a spark to the power play.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
He was thrilled when, at age 12, his parents bought a Baldwin grand piano secondhand from the University of Central Arkansas.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Regardless of the changes, the author couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome.—
Rebecca Aizin,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tantalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tantalize. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share