1
as in to lure
to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage
that chocolate dessert sure tempts me, but I should stick with my diet
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to risk
to take a chance on
refusing to lay in enough food for the long winter tempts the dangers of starvation
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tempt
While you may be tempted to take a closer look or intervene in an attempt to help, the best course of action is to observe from a distance.
—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
1 July 2026
Still, the stock market continues to test new heights and is expected to tempt private equity owners and other investors to get out while the getting’s good.
—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
If your retirement plans are bringing you down South—but you're not tempted by a beach lifestyle—take a look at the real estate in Seneca.
—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
28 June 2026
If you are tempted to prune your hydrangea in fall, Ballato recommends not pruning past August 1.
—
Kate McKenna,
The Spruce,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tempt
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
1 July 2026
Still, the stock market continues to test new heights and is expected to tempt private equity owners and other investors to get out while the getting’s good.
—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
If your retirement plans are bringing you down South—but you're not tempted by a beach lifestyle—take a look at the real estate in Seneca.
—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
28 June 2026
If you are tempted to prune your hydrangea in fall, Ballato recommends not pruning past August 1.
—
Kate McKenna,
The Spruce,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempt
Verb
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Next, the instructor tries luring the child back into the pool with a sparkly pink rubber duck, which does the trick.
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If the Lakers had only presented an offer sheet to the Jazz to lure Kessler away instead of working on a trade, Utah would have had until July 7 to match the offer.
Verb
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The trial court risked prejudicing the jury by improperly admitting evidence about Mead Johnson’s finances, including its revenues, profits, and executive compensation, the appeals court said.
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Delaying much beyond that risks the continuity that has sustained collider physics for generations.
Verb
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That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.
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The writer thinks that the person seducing the main character is just some flotsam, hardly worth a second look.
Verb
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Some supplements and chews are offered in different flavors to better entice your dog.
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That subscription data, entertainment, and safety service offers complementary base services, but owners are enticed to upgrade for premium services.
Verb
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Since Mary Grace’s death, her parents have poured their energy into persuading lawmakers to make camps safer by banning cabins in active flood plains, mandating 24-7 weather monitoring and requiring rigorous annual evacuation training.
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Marketing and communications professionals rely on language to inform, persuade and connect with audiences.
Verb
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And there's a saying in America, if someone betrays you, you've been sold down the river.
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Regan argued skeptics like Newsom and the CTA were betraying their base.
Cite this Entry
“Tempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempt. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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