tempting 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of temptingnext
as in enticing

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tempting

2 of 3

noun

as in seduction

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tempting

3 of 3

verb

present participle of tempt
1
as in luring
to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage that chocolate dessert sure tempts me, but I should stick with my diet

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in risking
to take a chance on refusing to lay in enough food for the long winter tempts the dangers of starvation

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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 tempting
Adjective
After the tempting offer, Pryce knocks on Clark’s door to see the ambitious former player wearing under-eye masks, agreeing to his proposition. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 Either way, some seriously tempting TV deals are already live. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
In the same way that Christ fasted to resist the tempting of the biblical adversary, many Christians are also called to fast and give up the temptations of their daily lives during Lent. — Rin Velasco, The Providence Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
Others tried to widen their gaze to make sure their eyes would be open as the camera clicked, though the afternoon sun was tempting us to squint. — Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 Be honest about what’s irritating or tempting you, because something’s got to give! — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tempting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempting
  1. enticing
  2. seduction
  3. luring
  4. risking
  5. tantalizing
  6. exhortation
  7. seducing
  8. alluring
Adjective
  • But if the other two deals look more enticing, don't worry—this deal stacks with both the Simplicity Plan and myPlan promotions above.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026
  • One of the most enticing aspects of Longchamp’s offering — and a clear draw for the notably discerning Gen Z consumer — is the custom offering, My Pliage, initiated in 2003.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of enticing
Noun
  • In this seduction, in a text that manages to be both grandiose and intimate, Rice works the mysterious alchemy of creating permanence.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Collections this week were versatile, taking the client from day to evening with a sense of seduction and confidence.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of seduction
Verb
  • That is how the awe of AI is luring our attention away from the slow and steady assault by America’s race demons.
    — Kamau Bobb October 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The Hoosiers paid handsomely for their big pickup via the transfer portal, luring him from Michigan State.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of luring
Verb
  • It’s also sparked criticism, with some worried that strangers are capitalizing on gravesites without notifying descendants and risking damaging the sites.
    — Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Furthermore, placing this burden on co-op boards threatens the financial stability of entire building communities, risking maintenance fee hikes for working-class residents.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of risking
Adjective
  • Part of the fun was a scavenger hunt with a tantalizing list of items to collect.
    — Kerry Kennedy, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026
  • And there is mounting evidence that markets have begun to push the tantalizing idea of AI beyond its limits.
    — RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of tantalizing
Noun
  • Duckworth also faced backlash from critics who argued that her message was, at best, a series of hollow exhortations to simply try harder and, at worst, an insidious form of victim-blaming that ignored structural inequality.
    — Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • His character is a severe, hectoring figure; his lessons amount to an exhortation to be as mean as possible when money is concerned.
    — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhortation
Verb
  • Adva Lavie, an OnlyFans model, already is facing criminal charges in Los Angeles County for allegedly seducing and stealing from rich men.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Still, with more than 40,000 industry jobs lost in the past few years, soundstages and vendor storefronts sitting empty, and lucrative overseas incentives seducing even more production away, things are bleak in town right now.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of seducing
Adjective
  • Their alluring quality belies their extreme toxicity; at times used as a hallucinogen, their ingestion can cause severe mental confusion and even death.
    — Tatiane de Assis, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The marina as an A-list address is particularly alluring to a new cadre of yacht owners.
    — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of alluring

Browse Nearby Words

tempters
tempting
temptingly
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Cite this Entry

“Tempting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempting. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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