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.

He left our number, hoping the lure of a big sale might tempt Jaf himself to call back.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

While West is not trying to become Labour leader herself, she could tempt others to launch a leadership bid.

From BBC • May 9, 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

Indian stocks, still at higher multiples than emerging market peers, need to fall by 20% to tempt global investors back, Budaghyan estimates.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

He told no one that he was an escapee from a political labor camp, fearing that it might tempt someone to turn him over to the police.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden

Vocabulary lists containing tempt

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