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.

In meetings in Caracas and Houston, the parties have yet to agree on contract terms that would tempt the company to risk entering the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

The teenager tossed one up to tempt opener Georgia Plimmer into hitting to mid-off for 20 in her second over and in her last had Green caught at long-on.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

What could tempt Japanese companies to bring money back home is this year’s spectacular gains in Japanese stocks.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

“Will the community retain its artistic elements, horse properties, trails, rural feel, and architectural heritage even as property values arise and the economic benefits of more density and hillside development tempt builders and political entities?”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

“I’ll be the first to congratulate our heroes for bringing back the legion’s eagle and so much Imperial gold! Truly we have been blessed with good fortune. But why do more? Why tempt fate?”

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan

Vocabulary lists containing tempt

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