1
as in seduction
the pressure to give in to a desire for easy or immediate pleasure
he felt the temptation to go sailing, but did his chores instead
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in lure
something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain
money, power, and other overwhelming temptations can seduce a person to a life of crime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of temptation
This approach not only reduces the temptation to use those funds for discretionary expenses but also makes saving a seamless and habitual process.
—
True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
But Syria’s future will hinge on its ability to refuse the temptation of collective punishment for ordinary Alawites—and its willingness to instead guarantee their safety.
—Loubna Mrie, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024
Outsiders should strongly discourage any new factional conflict and resist the temptation to advance their own interests by supporting one group over another.
—Sam Heller, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
Some will lionize the killer, while others succumb to the temptation to defend the insurance companies.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for temptation 
True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
But Syria’s future will hinge on its ability to refuse the temptation of collective punishment for ordinary Alawites—and its willingness to instead guarantee their safety.
—Loubna Mrie, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024
Outsiders should strongly discourage any new factional conflict and resist the temptation to advance their own interests by supporting one group over another.
—Sam Heller, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
Some will lionize the killer, while others succumb to the temptation to defend the insurance companies.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for temptation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temptation
Noun
-
Highly selective gifts for everyone on your list Shop Guest Edit Jennifer Zuccarini’s Favorite Things The founder of Fleur du Mal lingerie and fashion believes in sophisticated seduction and provocative wit.airmail.news, airmail.news, 2 Nov. 2024
-
Even worse, his seduction involves telling the truth (though sometimes with unforeseen consequences).Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
Noun
-
Yet famous faces aside, Aspen’s lure lies way beyond its glitz and glamor.Elise Taylor, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
-
But the lure of working with Martin was too good to resist.Chris Koseluk, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
While much of the Republican tax agenda involves continuing measures the party passed in 2017, Mr. Trump and other Republicans have floated additional ideas, including no taxes on tips and new incentives for corporations to manufacture in the United States.Andrew Duehren, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
-
Turning policy into progress is never straightforward, but these diverse approaches show that substantial advancements are achievable when guided by clear targets, market incentives, and supportive legislation.Angelica Krystle Donati, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near temptation
Cite this Entry
“Temptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temptation. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share