tantalizing 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of tantalizingnext
as in tempting
having a strong power to provoke or hold interest The menu included a selection of tantalizing desserts.

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tantalizing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of tantalize
as in intriguing
to cause (someone) to feel interest or excitement about something that is very attractive, appealing, etc. She was tantalized by the possibility of earning a lot of money quickly.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of tantalizing
Adjective
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 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
Verb
Olson’s +400 odds to hit a home run in a tasty matchup tonight are tantalizing. — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 Vaniček was responsible for that arachnophobia-nightmare fodder Infested from 2023, and the idea of injecting some late New French Extremity into the Evil Dead bloodstream is tantalizing. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tantalizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tantalizing
  1. tempting
  2. intriguing
  3. thrilling
  4. exciting
Adjective
  • Instead of deterring strikes, these bases are serving as tempting targets.
    — Alexander Langlois, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
  • For would-be pirates in a country currently grappling with drought, worsening food insecurity, and shrinking humanitarian assistance, the economic incentives and risk-reward balance may be too tempting to pass up.
    — Aparajita Saxena, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of tempting
Verb
  • The female forward is in front of the camera, behind the camera, really getting women, intriguing them to come to the service and watch.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The first four episodes made available for review likewise have tiny sparks of interest, from some witty dialogue to genuine plot momentum to intriguing new characters popping up.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026
Definition of intriguing
Verb
  • Join the event trackside as top local restaurants and legendary pitmasters fire up the grills to serve a mouth-watering medley of smoky, savory BBQ (available for purchase) alongside a full day of thrilling horse racing.
    — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Morgan Rogers 🤜🤛 Xabi Alonso The new Chelsea player and manager helped deliver a thrilling 3-2 win over Fulham yesterday in the club’s Premier League opener.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of thrilling
Verb
  • Major Wilson, 17, has been around horses most of his life and now spends much of his time helping younger riders get ready, showing them how to saddle their horses without exciting them.
    — Jhair Romero, Houston Chronicle, 26 Feb. 2026
  • For Harrington and her husband Dante, the thought of triplets was shocking but exciting all the same.
    — Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of exciting

Browse Nearby Words

tantalizes
tantalizing
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Cite this Entry

“Tantalizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tantalizing. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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