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
Example 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
Here are a few tips to stop the temptations of lying down once the workday begins.
—
Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2025
The temptation to start him right away is understandable: The Knicks’ defense has collapsed in his absence.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2025
Some council members were against any casino, concerned that all the new gambling temptations could pick the pockets of city residents.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
This year, the temptation to chase the next shiny object will be strong.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temptation
Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2025
The temptation to start him right away is understandable: The Knicks’ defense has collapsed in his absence.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2025
Some council members were against any casino, concerned that all the new gambling temptations could pick the pockets of city residents.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
This year, the temptation to chase the next shiny object will be strong.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temptation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temptation
Noun
-
The vibe at her place is welcoming and cozy but with a strong hint of seduction just under the surface.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Her stepdaughter said her mother had planned to stay until her father woke up, which the poster interpreted as an attempt at seduction.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Traditional idealists, like former President Bill Clinton, believed that autocratic regimes could be softened through the lure of global trade and participation in international institutions like the now defunct Group of 8.—
Neil MacFarquhar,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2025
-
One final tip is to add some color with a highlighter to the rear lure as well.—
Derek Horner,
Outdoor Life,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The contract, Schefter said, could be worth up to $7 million with incentives.—
Jesse Newell,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Europe and China both have incentives to step up, for different reasons and with different priorities.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Temptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temptation. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share