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.

While not trying to become Labour leader herself, West had hoped to tempt others to launch a bid.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

The teenager tossed one up to tempt opener Georgia Plimmer into hitting to mid-off for 20 in her second over and in her last had Green caught at long-on.

From BBC • May 10, 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

The set of Katherine's jaw warns that she's sorely vexed, and I ain't one to tempt a tiger.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Vocabulary lists containing tempt

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