Definitions

tempt

[tempt] / tɛmpt /

VERB

lure, entice

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appeal to attract captivate charm dare fascinate induce intrigue invite motivate persuade seduce stimulate tantalize woo

STRONG

allure bait coax court decoy draw entrap honey up hook incite influence instigate inveigle move oil promote provoke risk rouse solicit test train try wheedle whet

WEAK

butter up draw out lead on make mouth water mousetrap play up to turn one's head

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bore depress discourage disenchant dissuade hinder offend prevent repel repulse

STRONG

delight deter dishearten dull halt please reject release stop turn off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The menu is designed for sharing, though a few dishes may tempt you to keep them to yourself.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

Record-holder Anderson, 38, thought his racing days were over until Kopke approached him to tempt him out of retirement this year.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

More recently, another Hollywood offer did tempt her, but she ultimately passed.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

To blithely swivel so much concrete out into space, and in earthquake country, seems to tempt fate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

A quarter moon lay low in the west, not giving enough light to tempt anyone to stay up late.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

Vocabulary lists containing tempt

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