TEMPTATION Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

temptation

noun

tem(p)-ˈtā-shən

Definition of temptation

as in seduction

the pressure to give in to a desire for easy or immediate pleasure he felt the temptation to go sailing, but did his chores instead

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in lure

something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain money, power, and other overwhelming temptations can seduce a person to a life of crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 temptation As summer winds down, the temptation to squeeze in one last getaway is real. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026 But my citizenship, synonymous with quality and power, sat there like a taunt and a temptation. — Karan Mahajan, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026 The temptation is to diagnose this as a communication problem — more data, clearer messaging, a better slide deck. — Owen Fitzpatrick, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 Cramer said that’s why investors should resist the temptation to jump in and out of the market. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temptation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temptation

Noun

Several symbolic scenes, similarly unfolding in sinuous long takes—a ritualistic repetition of local habits at the junk yard, a formal dance of non-seduction at a luncheonette with a jukebox—lay bare the town’s ingrained and unyielding mores.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
Some Venus signs prefer seduction through mystery and minimalism, while others enjoy eccentricity or perhaps even maximalism.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of seduction

Noun

The Caribbean is a region almost purpose-built for cruising—closely set islands that offer immense diversity in culture and history, each with their own siren lure.

— Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
The city’s 3-to-1 imbalance of jobs to housing is one of the biggest in the country and a lure for builders, said apartment developer Chris Tourtellotte.

— Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of lure

Noun

There has been no confirmation from SpaceX or Louisiana officials … But earlier this year the Louisiana Legislature passed a package of incentives for aerospace companies, including liability protections and property tax breaks.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
Marketers need to treat the student as the primary decision-maker, using tangible incentives, student-friendly pricing, and direct campus engagement to lower the risk of trying a new product and justify its value well past move-in day.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of incentive

Browse Nearby Words

temptable

temptation

temptations

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“Temptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temptation. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of temptation

noun

Example Sentences

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