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

What could tempt Japanese companies to bring money back home is this year’s spectacular gains in Japanese stocks.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

“I can’t see the red text notification buttons when it’s in grayscale, so it doesn’t tempt me as much,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

“I will not turn sixteen tomorrow. I will never turn sixteen. I won’t let this prophecy be mine. I stand with my sister Artemis. Kronos will never tempt me again.”

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan

Vocabulary lists containing tempt

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