Synonyms of temptation

temptation

noun

tem(p)-ˈtā-shən 

1

as in seduction

the pressure to give in to a desire for easy or immediate pleasure

he felt the temptation to go sailing, but did his chores instead

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seduction
• lure
• appeal
• attraction
• enticement
• allurement
• attractiveness
• invitation
• power
• charm
• allure
• glamour
• influence
• inducement
• siren song
• bait
• enchantment
• persuasion
• sway
• beckoning

2

as in lure

something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain

money, power, and other overwhelming temptations can seduce a person to a life of crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lure
• incentive
• attraction
• enticement
• motivation
• bait
• impetus
• come-on
• turn-on
• allurement
• stimulus
• boost
• appeal
• impulse
• encouragement
• siren song
• seduction
• inducement
• persuasion
• goad
• call
• spur
• trap
• snare
• seducement
• entrapment
• decoy
• mousetrap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warning
• notice
• caution
• alarm
• alert
• forewarning

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of temptation

Resist the temptation to leave them exposed to the sun on a gray day, since harmful rays can still penetrate the clouds and result in a sunburn. — Nancy Mattia, Parents, 8 July 2026

There’s always the temptation of an easy score, though, a con game suited to the great metropolis, captured here in Colson Whitehead’s signature deadpan. — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026

In Homer’s Odyssey, the Greek hero Odysseus must overcome tempests, temptations, mythical monsters, and divine wrath to sail home to the island of Ithaca after the Trojan War. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026

Our confidence, creative expression and ambitions are amplified, but the temptation to dominate or make everything about praise and recognition is strong. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026