as in tempting
having a strong power to provoke or hold interest
The menu included a selection of tantalizing desserts.
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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.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tantalizing
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025
Negotiating one deal with Ukraine and then another with Russia, then hoping the two get close enough to hold, provides the tantalizing illusion of progress, but in practice leads nowhere.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025
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
García, boasting a tantalizing blend of tools, broke out with the Rangers in 2021 during his age-28 season and averaged 32 homers and 17 steals with a 113 OPS+ from 2021-23.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025
Negotiating one deal with Ukraine and then another with Russia, then hoping the two get close enough to hold, provides the tantalizing illusion of progress, but in practice leads nowhere.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025
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
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The details of Cooper’s crime seemed too tempting to McNally, a high school dropout turned military-airplane electrician who’d pursued odd jobs and scams since being discharged.—
Johnny Dodd,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
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Given all of this, alternative modes of transportation will be tempting for some, but driving is an unappealing prospect, especially given toll hikes are on the horizon.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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The Hoosiers won the CFP national title Monday night in a thrilling win 27-21 win over Miami.—
Darren Cooper,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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The 49ers earned a thrilling wild card round victory by a score of 23-19 over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, highlighted by wide receiver Jauan Jennings, a former high school quarterback, throwing a trick play touchdown to McCaffrey.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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 27 Jan. 2026.
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