tantalizing

adjective

tan·​ta·​liz·​ing ˈtan-tə-ˌlī-ziŋ How to pronounce tantalizing (audio)
Synonyms of tantalizing
: possessing a quality that arouses or stimulates desire or interest
also : mockingly or teasingly out of reach
tantalizingly adverb

Examples of tantalizing in a Sentence

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.
Future James Bond collaborations between the brands remain a tantalizing possibility. — Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 That even raises the tantalizing possibility of exporting some back to Europe in bright yellow paint and Skoda badges—Felicia Fun EV, anyone? — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026 These were very tantalizing words that generated tremendous excitement in the Fleetwood Mac fan community. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026 In the race for new ways to treat Alzheimer’s and other devastating neurologic diseases, the protein tau has become a tantalizing target for drug developers. — Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tantalizing

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of tantalize

First Known Use

circa 1683, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tantalizing was circa 1683

Rhymes for tantalizing

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Browse Nearby Words

tantalizer
tantalizing
tantalizingly
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Cite this Entry

“Tantalizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tantalizing. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tantalizing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tantalizing

Nglish: Translation of tantalizing for Spanish Speakers

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