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
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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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of temptation
After two wins, the temptation is there to keep things rolling.
—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
25 June 2026
Gravitate Toward the Action Another temptation is to grab a drink and hide in a corner by yourself, perhaps even distracting yourself with your phone.
—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
24 June 2026
Sports Minister Marie Barsacq urged caution, warning against swimming in unauthorized or hazardous areas despite the temptation to cool off.
—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
23 June 2026
The question now is whether investment banks can actively manage their businesses the way luxury houses do — resisting the temptation to expand downmarket and keeping the velvet rope up.
—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for temptation
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
25 June 2026
Gravitate Toward the Action Another temptation is to grab a drink and hide in a corner by yourself, perhaps even distracting yourself with your phone.
—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
24 June 2026
Sports Minister Marie Barsacq urged caution, warning against swimming in unauthorized or hazardous areas despite the temptation to cool off.
—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
23 June 2026
The question now is whether investment banks can actively manage their businesses the way luxury houses do — resisting the temptation to expand downmarket and keeping the velvet rope up.
—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for temptation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temptation
Noun
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The rhythm of the writing shows the staccato nature of those relationships, with their stops and starts, and how sometimes signs of seduction cannot be misinterpreted or not picked up at all.
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There is no grand seduction scene.
Noun
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Though the story itself is comically predictable, Chloe Bailey’s earnest portrayal and the lure of the iconic Lynn Whitfield make the movie fun to watch even as the narrative completely unravels at the seams.
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Early also has a larger target in view, the fickleness of internet celebrity, a lure that often comes with self-harm.
Noun
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Nearly a year after the expiration of a $7,500 federal tax incentive for new electric vehicles, California is stepping in to try to motivate buyers to go electric.
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The attack shocked Monaco, a coastal playground for the rich and famous known for its tax-friendly incentives, royal family and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Cite this Entry
“Temptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temptation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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