tempting

American  

[temp-ting] / ˈtɛmp tɪŋ /

adjective

1. that tempts; enticing or inviting.

   Synonyms:

   seductive, alluring, attractive

   Antonyms:

   repellent

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tempting British  

/ ˈtɛmptɪŋ /

adjective

1. attractive or inviting

   a tempting meal

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Other Word Forms

• temptingly adverb
• temptingness noun
• untempting adjective
• untemptingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of tempting

First recorded in 1540–50; tempt + -ing ²

Explanation

Anything that's tempting makes you excited or interested, like a tempting chocolate doughnut or a tempting offer to go to the movies instead of doing your chores. An invitation or offer that intrigues you is tempting—even if it might ultimately be a bad idea. It's tempting to skip school and spend the afternoon at the beach, but it's wiser to avoid the temptation. People commonly describe food they feel is bad for them as tempting. This sense of something that's both harmful and attractive comes from the original meaning of tempt, "entice to evil or sin."

Example Sentences

One investor tells Barron’s that superhigh volatility levels are a warning to investors not to short the options even though the high prices can be tempting to sell.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Arendt had written her dissertation on St. Augustine, who held curiosity to be dangerous, often tempting one to sin because of an insatiable hunger for one sight after another.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

While it’s tempting to imagine what you could afford to spend your money on without these payments, it’s best not to act on that impulse.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

You can see why the island might be a tempting prize for Beijing.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

She could not tell if the thought was terrible or tempting or both, and she and Pearl both wailed.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

Related Words

• appetizing
• attractive
• enticing
• fascinating
• heavenly
• intriguing
• seductive
• tantalizing