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
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Hunter is part of a 2026 defensive line group at the NFL Combine that is considered a quality one, if not quite as talented and tantalizing as the edge rushers.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026
Despite its name, the Honey Gold is incredibly balanced, with the right kick and sweetness to make each bite tantalizing.
—Matt Moore, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tantalizing
Adjective
India represents perhaps the most tantalizing long-term opportunity in Imax’s global portfolio, and also the most structurally constrained.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Hunter is part of a 2026 defensive line group at the NFL Combine that is considered a quality one, if not quite as talented and tantalizing as the edge rushers.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
The filmmaker breaks down that tantalizing final sequence.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026
Despite its name, the Honey Gold is incredibly balanced, with the right kick and sweetness to make each bite tantalizing.
—Matt Moore, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tantalizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tantalizing
Adjective
-
Here are five really tempting reasons to lace up your snow boots, throw on your coziest layers, and safely enjoy the final weeks of the season outdoors.—
Emma Loewe,
Outside,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Bishop was lured into something tempting that turned out to be a setup.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The likes of Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca and Roberto De Zerbi are intriguing new options, but none offer the combination of experience, tactical flexibility and past silverware than Tuchel, a manager who brings solidity in and out of possession.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Zito served as an assistant general manager for the United States men’s hockey team that had just won gold at the Winter Olympics for the first time since 1980 with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win against Canada in Milan.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Last year, Jae Scott, Teegan Lanpher and the Mountaineers won the title with a thrilling 55-54 victory at UMass Lowell.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
24 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 2 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
