as in intrigues
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 tantalizes
But 36–23 still taunts and tantalizes us, a magical missing score that reminds every Scorigami devotee that what’s possible isn’t preordained.
—
Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
Set in his native Scotland and lovingly photographed, the film tantalizes even without a terribly original story.
—Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2025
Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
Set in his native Scotland and lovingly photographed, the film tantalizes even without a terribly original story.
—Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tantalizes
Verb
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Hopefully, there’s a spot that intrigues you.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
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The menu has a lot of delicious choices, but the one that intrigues my girlfriend is their overnight oat bowl.—
C.W. Cameron,
AJC.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This reduces the need for constant adult correction while allowing children to learn while exploring what excites them.—
Jose Bolaños,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
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Trust what excites and inspires you.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Being on the very limit — that’s what thrills him.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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Abigail is the one who clearly thrills to performance; Shaun consistently orbits her sun, giving the impression of the bearded and bespectacled multi-instrumentalist who’d be happy jamming on the sidelines.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tantalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tantalizes. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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