temptation

noun

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

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.
Yet, for Hughes, it was deemed a price worth paying, even after the Southampton game when the temptation to become drawn into a public debate may have been acute. Simon Hughes, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 This systematic approach mitigates the temptation to chase performance and helps manage risk. 4. True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 The temptation to continue draining the TIFs to help cure Chicago’s structural deficits is strong; Rockford is a stark example of the potency TIFs retain to spur growth and development. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 Scandals features a cast of characters who seek to challenge the strict order of society, while engaging in a game of love and temptation. Sara Merican, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Temptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temptation. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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

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