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
You may be tempted to laugh, but Bailey plays it straight, and is somehow adorable.
—
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 June 2025
People will be tempted to build ADUs [accessory dwelling units, also known as backyard apartments or ‘granny flats’] and maximize profits by turning them into STRVs.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2025
Unfortunately, many readers may be tempted to skim past it in their rush to the final chapters.
—Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025
You might be tempted to spend today daydreaming or reading romantic novels or poetry.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempt
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 June 2025
People will be tempted to build ADUs [accessory dwelling units, also known as backyard apartments or ‘granny flats’] and maximize profits by turning them into STRVs.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2025
Unfortunately, many readers may be tempted to skim past it in their rush to the final chapters.
—Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025
You might be tempted to spend today daydreaming or reading romantic novels or poetry.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempt
Verb
-
Barely over a year ago, McKay was obsessing over film and trying to lure Peter to Liberty.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s archive features postcards depicting Black children sitting near swamps to lure alligators.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
And the country has fallen victim to armed gangs, who think nothing of torching homes, schools and hospitals, killing and kidnapping the missionaries who risk their lives to bring hope and comfort to a people in dire need.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
4 July 2025
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Even that may not have been enough for prosecutors to want to risk a trial.—
Nicole Blanchard
Updated July 3,
Idaho Statesman,
3 July 2025
Verb
-
But what really seduced me was the transgressive idea of imagining who else lives inside each of us.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
19 June 2025
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Teenagers and their parents can be easily seduced, so Underwood is respected for his role in keeping those players at Thorp Arch.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
For six months, President Trump tried to entice Putin to the table.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 July 2025
-
Culinary delight often begins with a visual feast that entices people to indulge in delicious flavors.—
Molly Peck,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Or they could be persuaded that financial surveillance of businesses for transactions over $200 is necessary to prevent criminals from moving money.—
Agustina Vergara Cid,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
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Becker had run in high school but was working as a mortgage broker when, with his 60th birthday approaching, a friend persuaded him to try a marathon in Minnesota.—
James Rainey
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Verb
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When reality stars act in a way that is offensive or seemingly out of character, audiences feel betrayed.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
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Some have been corrupted by money and power, betraying each other as readily as the criminals do.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempt. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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