as in tempting
having a strong power to provoke or hold interest
The menu included a selection of tantalizing desserts.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
as in intriguing
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
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 tantalizing
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
Vagueposting is a bit like a tantalizing YouTube thumbnail, promising jaw-dropping, mind-blowing content just waiting to be unlocked with a click.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
That tantalizing slice of Greenland?
—Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tantalizing
Adjective
Unfortunately, at least as depicted in Part 1, Sophie and Benedict’s romance lacks the tantalizing heat and erotic chemistry of the show’s previous central couples.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
Vagueposting is a bit like a tantalizing YouTube thumbnail, promising jaw-dropping, mind-blowing content just waiting to be unlocked with a click.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
Riddled with tantalizing intrigue, back street collusion and heroic acts in the face of danger, Gediman's podcast transports listeners to a time which has been left out of history books.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
That tantalizing slice of Greenland?
—Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tantalizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tantalizing
Adjective
-
Insects like ants and termites that might be drawn to a tempting tree stump can multiply and spread out across the property, potentially damaging healthy plant life directly and/or by spreading fungi or pathogens to nearby trees and plants.—
Steven John,
Architectural Digest,
13 Feb. 2026
-
For that reason, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson (12th on our Dane Brugler’s top 100 prospects list) would be another tempting player at this spot.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Our guide to the best upcoming sci-fi movies in 2026 features a blockbuster mix of popular franchises, intriguing one-offs, and one of the greatest directors of all time heading back to alien visitation territory.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
31 Dec. 2025
-
New York has intriguing young outfielders in Jasson Domínguez and Spencer jones, but Bellinger was the team's second best player in the lineup this season.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
For decades, Bonaly’s thrilling move could only be witnessed at exhibitions.—
Fernanda Figueroa,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
-
How quickly, how brutally, things had unravelled after the buzz of making the breakthrough in such thrilling fashion.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
For Harrington and her husband Dante, the thought of triplets was shocking but exciting all the same.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tantalizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tantalizing. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
