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.

High unemployment rates and the lack of prospects in Iraqi Kurdistan have made it easy for gangs to tempt young people to gamble everything on a journey to mainland Europe and the UK.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

While not trying to become Labour leader herself, West had hoped to tempt others to launch a bid.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

Surprising events and negative news can always tempt investors into suddenly adopting radically different strategies: fast trading, market timing, ultrahigh dividends and other techniques that purportedly reduce risk or raise return.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Indian stocks, still at higher multiples than emerging market peers, need to fall by 20% to tempt global investors back, Budaghyan estimates.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

The wind seemed too powerful now to tempt with my upright body.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson

Vocabulary lists containing tempt

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