temptation

noun

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

Synonyms of temptation

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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.
As more financing moves into customized private structures, investors and regulators will need to watch for opacity, concentration, and the temptation to confuse financial engineering with genuine economic productivity. — Jim Zelter, Fortune, 31 July 2026 Written during a lonely week while Ross was away visiting family, the song explores the temptation to revisit old relationships simply to avoid being alone. — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 When obtaining an answer becomes easier than developing one, the temptation to substitute acceptance for understanding grows significantly. — Alec Scott, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Manage your surroundings by pulling the blinds or leaving the radio on to provide familiar sounds and remove barking temptations. — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 28 July 2026 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

Rhymes for temptation

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Browse Nearby Words

temptable
temptation
temptational
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Cite this Entry

“Temptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temptation. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

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Nglish: Translation of temptation for Spanish Speakers

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