Definitions

tempt

[tempt] / tɛmpt /

VERB

lure, entice

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appeal to attract captivate charm dare fascinate induce intrigue invite motivate persuade seduce stimulate tantalize woo

STRONG

allure bait coax court decoy draw entrap honey up hook incite influence instigate inveigle move oil promote provoke risk rouse solicit test train try wheedle whet

WEAK

butter up draw out lead on make mouth water mousetrap play up to turn one's head

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bore depress discourage disenchant dissuade hinder offend prevent repel repulse

STRONG

delight deter dishearten dull halt please reject release stop turn off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The only thing that would tempt me back into management would be lightning striking for a third time — to see James, to see Linda, then to see somebody comparably brilliant, which I occasionally do.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

The menu is designed for sharing, though a few dishes may tempt you to keep them to yourself.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

While West is not trying to become Labour leader herself, she could tempt others to launch a leadership bid.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

To blithely swivel so much concrete out into space, and in earthquake country, seems to tempt fate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“That won’t do either. The only one of us who has the slightest interest in food is Orgoch. And I’m sure your wallet holds nothing to tempt her.”

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

Vocabulary lists containing tempt

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