temptation

noun

temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce temptation (audio)
Synonyms of temptationnext
1
: the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil : enticement
2
: something tempting : a cause or occasion of enticement

Synonyms

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Examples of temptation in a Sentence

Money is always a temptation. The dessert menu has a lot of delicious temptations. the temptations of the city
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Avoid the temptation to micromanage and assert control to mitigate this risk. —Don Yaeger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Yet Mann urged his audiences to resist the temptation to deride humanity. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 There are flights to book, gifts to buy, special outfits for parties, extra food for visitors and the temptation of seasonal sales. —Becca Stanek, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024 So when people start pulling away, retreating into their own romantic relationships, or investing in other personal pursuits, Sam’s temptation to protect herself through isolation creeps back up. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for temptation 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English temptacioun "testing, enticement to sin," borrowed from Anglo-French tentacion, borrowed from Late Latin temptātiōn-, temptātiō "enticement to sin," going back to Latin, "attempt, attack," from temptāre "to feel, test, attempt, make an assault on, attack" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at tempt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of temptation was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near temptation

tempt

temptation

temptational

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Temptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temptation. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

temptation

noun
temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce temptation (audio)
1
: the act of tempting : the state of being tempted especially to evil
2
: something tempting

More from Merriam-Webster on temptation

Nglish: Translation of temptation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of temptation for Arabic Speakers

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