1
as in to lure
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to risk
to take a chance on
refusing to lay in enough food for the long winter tempts the dangers of starvation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tempt
In this recipe, they are combined with shredded Parmesan cheese and melted butter for a topping that’s so irresistible you’ll be tempted to eat it right out of the pan.
—
Patricia S York, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
Listen to this article MESA, Ariz. — Jameson Taillon hadn’t been tempted to take a peek at Sloan Park’s radar gun.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Michigan State is tempting on the moneyline, especially at +155 at bet365, but the smart play is to take the Spartans on the spread.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
My nine-to-five is shopping Walmart, so I’m constantly tempted to buy new arrivals that catch my eye.
—Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempt
Patricia S York, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
Listen to this article MESA, Ariz. — Jameson Taillon hadn’t been tempted to take a peek at Sloan Park’s radar gun.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Michigan State is tempting on the moneyline, especially at +155 at bet365, but the smart play is to take the Spartans on the spread.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
My nine-to-five is shopping Walmart, so I’m constantly tempted to buy new arrivals that catch my eye.
—Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempt
Verb
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Before the start of Season 5, there was a flurry of transfers as the two newest teams — Brazil and Italy — lured some top talent away from the highest-performing teams of recent years.—
Andrew Rice,
The Athletic,
13 Mar. 2025
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For the new season, Hacks has lured Hacks Julianne Nicholson, Michaela Watkins, Bresha Webb, Robby Hoffman, and Eric Balfour for guest starring roles.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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While some leaders lean in, experiment, and unlock AI’s potential, others risk falling behind, paralyzed by uncertainty.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
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Today, indie filmmakers face a tough choice: either comply with demands of CBFC, thus risking their creativity for a theatrical release, or abandon the idea entirely in favor of OTT platforms.—
Viren Naidu,
IndieWire,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Raúl Castillo plays against type and makes for a menacing, unstoppable presence in a genre homage that’s yell-at-the-scream enjoyable and seduces with its terrific cinematography from Daniel Katz.—
Randy Myers,
The Mercury News,
7 Mar. 2025
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Carpenter wrapped her performance with a camera trick implying her attempt to seduce a member of the King’s Guard.—
Ashley Iasimone,
Billboard,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The goal for Boca Raton officials is to entice not just various wealthy industries but to bring in new residents and tourists, too.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2025
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How fast that figure ascends is somewhat dependent on mortgage rates — lower rates would entice more existing owners to sell.—
Nerdwallet,
Orange County Register,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Gibson also persuaded the rail network to construct a station at Old Trafford.—
Michael Walker,
The Athletic,
15 Mar. 2025
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Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, persuaded Trump to postpone tariffs on Mexican goods.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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When Kathryn is suspected of betraying the nation, George must decide what is more important — his wife or his country.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
11 Mar. 2025
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His criticism of Vance appeared to come from a different place, however, echoing an outraged supporter base that saw the vice president as betraying British troops killed fighting American wars.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC News,
5 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempt. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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