tempted; tempting; tempts
1
: to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain
2
a
: to induce to do something
b
: to cause to be strongly inclined
was tempted to call it quits
Synonyms
Examples of tempt in a Sentence
that chocolate dessert sure tempts me, but I should stick with my diet
refusing to lay in enough food for the long winter tempts the dangers of starvation
Recent Examples on the Web
During the holiday season, we are presented with a myriad of tempting foods—much of which is unhealthy and can deplete our energy.
—
Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Heidi Klum as the Garden of Eden in 2006
Among Klum's more inspired Halloween costume ideas, the model dressed as the apple and serpent that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
—Madeline Boardman, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Hochstein’s plan would risk similar results: Syria’s place has been taken by Iran, whose strategic and ideological interest in Lebanon would be comparably imperiled, tempting Tehran to protect it by escalating the conflict.
—Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2024
Even the most intelligent of folks were tempted by the chance to pierce the veil, noted the critic.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tempt 
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Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Heidi Klum as the Garden of Eden in 2006
Among Klum's more inspired Halloween costume ideas, the model dressed as the apple and serpent that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
—Madeline Boardman, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Hochstein’s plan would risk similar results: Syria’s place has been taken by Iran, whose strategic and ideological interest in Lebanon would be comparably imperiled, tempting Tehran to protect it by escalating the conflict.
—Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2024
Even the most intelligent of folks were tempted by the chance to pierce the veil, noted the critic.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tempt
Dictionary Entries Near tempt
Cite this Entry
“Tempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempt. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tempt
verb1
: to persuade or try to persuade to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain
2
: to risk the dangers of
tempt fate
3
a
: to get to do something
tempted her to taste the cake
b
: to cause to have a certain feeling
was tempted to quit
tempter
noun
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