tempting

adjective

tempt·​ing ˈtem(p)-tiŋ How to pronounce tempting (audio)
: having an appeal : enticing
a tempting offer
temptingly adverb

Examples of tempting in a Sentence

The desserts look very tempting. It is tempting to think of him as the next American president.
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.
As our cosmic neighbor—the nearest single-star system to our sun—it’s been a tempting place to look. Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025 While change for the sake of change might be tempting, Aurora cannot afford to gamble with its future. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025 Benefits of Growing Mint as a Perennial Tips for Growing Mint as a Perennial Overwintering Mint FAQ Mint plants are easy to grow, fragrant, and come in several tempting varieties. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025 These are distinctions with meaningful differences: Smartphones are full-on computers in the pocket, tempting kids with nonstop streams of posts and videos and music and so much more, including instant access to AI bots that make cheating that much easier. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tempting

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of tempt

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tempting was in 1588

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tempting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempting. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

tempting

adjective
tempt·​ing ˈtem(p)-tiŋ How to pronounce tempting (audio)
: having a strong attraction
the food all looked tempting
temptingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on tempting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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