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 General manager Ryan Johnson, however, should avoid that temptation. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 For some time, the world will be without any order at all—swept by fragmentation, contagion, and strangulation or the temptation to weaponize a wide variety of geographic, economic, and technological chokepoints. — Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 The temptation is to stop paying full attention because the machine is. — Maria Colacurcio, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026 Be patient, resisting the temptation to use too much magnification too quickly. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 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 lure drew thousands of crews to Hengdian last year to shoot projects in and around the sprawling Hengdian World Studios.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
The lure of both the flower that the fly feeds on, and the female fly herself, proves a powerful combination for the male.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of lure

Noun

Investors are also betting on a future DeepSeek listing in the mainland, said Wayne Shiong, managing partner at Argo Venture Partners, as the startup risks an exodus of senior engineers without financial incentives to stay.

— Anniek Bao,Elaine Yu, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Instead, the law provides the city with an incentive to dangle before the team.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of incentive

Browse Nearby Words

temptable

temptation

temptations

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Temptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temptation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of temptation

noun

Example Sentences

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