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
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
The receivers have different tantalizing skill sets, from Tate’s downfield ability to Tyson’s all-around talent.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
On the other hand, the potential to solve mankind’s most vexing problems is tantalizing.
—G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tantalizing
Adjective
Ultimately, here, the Broncos give up a fourth-rounder for a sixth-rounder and the chance to take Stowers, a 2025 All-American who’d become a tantalizing prospect for Payton.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
The receivers have different tantalizing skill sets, from Tate’s downfield ability to Tyson’s all-around talent.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
Sivka is a highly promising scoring threat who brings tantalizing versatility as a 6-foot-4 wing.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
On the other hand, the potential to solve mankind’s most vexing problems is tantalizing.
—G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tantalizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tantalizing
Adjective
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There’s a variety of breads and Iberian cured meats, hot dishes prepared to order, and tempting pastries are complemented by fresh juices and coffees.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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Either way, Walmart currently has some tempting deals on patio furniture, like this 7-piece seating set that’s majorly discounted or this generously-sized deck storage box that’s also on sale.—
Brittany VanDerBill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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And while the company presented more data on that drug Tuesday, showing promising first-line and combination data on daraxonrasib, scientists also showed in another session intriguing preclinical data on a completely new compound that may represent what comes after the current lineup.—
Angus Chen,
STAT,
21 Apr. 2026
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There’s familiarity there, but there’s also intriguing talent with Thompson.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Cinema-goers opted to watch those thrilling sequences on the biggest and brightest screens.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
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Families can embark on thrilling excursions like whale watching tours or exploring the ice caves of Mendenhall Glacier while in port.—
Jessica Puckett,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Major Wilson, 17, has been around horses most of his life and now spends much of his time helping younger riders get ready, showing them how to saddle their horses without exciting them.—
Jhair Romero,
Houston Chronicle,
26 Feb. 2026
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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 2 May. 2026.
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