temptation

noun

temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce temptation (audio)
1
: the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil : enticement
2
: something tempting : a cause or occasion of enticement

Examples of temptation in a Sentence

Money is always a temptation. The dessert menu has a lot of delicious temptations. the temptations of the city
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Starring Tyriq Withers as Cameron Cade, the story delves deep into the temptations that young athletes face on the journey to going pro, and just how much one is willing to sacrifice for success. Okla Jones, Essence, 19 Sep. 2025 The United States, however, presumably founded in order to rid citizens of the weight of history and tradition and to orient them toward a continuously improving future, offered more, and alluringly different, temptations. Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 The temptation to rush adoption is strong, especially as workforce shortages deepen, but the risks are significant. Theresa McDonnell, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 How to survive the fast food temptation Life is unpredictable. Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temptation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English temptacioun "testing, enticement to sin," borrowed from Anglo-French tentacion, borrowed from Late Latin temptātiōn-, temptātiō "enticement to sin," going back to Latin, "attempt, attack," from temptāre "to feel, test, attempt, make an assault on, attack" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at tempt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of temptation was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Temptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temptation. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

temptation

noun
temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce temptation (audio)
1
: the act of tempting : the state of being tempted especially to evil
2
: something tempting

More from Merriam-Webster on temptation

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