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

It was a tempting offer at such a prestigious hoops powerhouse.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

“It is tempting to attribute polarization and war that occur in humans today to ethnic, religious or political divisions,” Sandel and his co-authors conclude.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

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

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

Then he tried a coffee can with a money slot in its plastic lid, which also proved too tempting.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt

Related Words

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