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temptation

noun
temp·​ta·​tion | \ tem(p)-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce temptation (audio) \

Definition of temptation

1 : the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil : enticement
2 : something tempting : a cause or occasion of enticement
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Synonyms for temptation

Synonyms

allurement, enticement, lure, seduction

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Examples of temptation in a Sentence

Money is always a temptation. The dessert menu has a lot of delicious temptations. the temptations of the city
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The framers truly understood human nature, the temptations that come with holding awesome federal power, and the problems with factions and blind partisanship. — John Kass, Twin Cities, "John Kass: ‘Ball of Collusion’ thoughtfully connects the dots on Clinton and Obama," 29 Aug. 2019 There’s a temptation to make sweeping, declarative statements after every event. — Daniel Rapaport, SI.com, "From Augusta to East Lake: 18 Parting Thoughts From the 2019 PGA Tour Season," 26 Aug. 2019 As the three clubs’ results have declined, the temptation to buy a readymade solution from Real Madrid or Bayern Munich has only increased. — M.j., The Economist, "Man City’s and Liverpool’s rivals have copied their transfer strategy," 10 Aug. 2019 The saga also highlights another growing trend at a time when organic and green are all the rage among the world’s well-heeled consumers: The temptation to cut corners and to give products a veneer of sustainability is great. — Los Angeles Times, "Data rigging is latest Chile salmon farm scandal," 4 Aug. 2019 For instance, when changing consumer tastes make a company's products seem less relevant, the temptation for a CEO may be to grasp for silver bullets, like acquiring a company with a product that doesn't quite match the core business. — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, "4 of the biggest mistakes a CEO can make," 31 July 2019 And the temptation to cheat is growing along with it. — Erin Baldassari, The Mercury News, "How to catch carpool cheats: Behind the search to find a better way," 28 July 2019 The temptation is to conclude that Americans like living with those who are politically like-minded. — The Economist, "Would you live with a Trump supporter?," 19 July 2019 But in his native Orange County, temptation is everywhere during the offseason. — Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, "How Nolan Arenado’s off-field discipline made Rockies’ third baseman a 5-time all-star," 9 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'temptation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of temptation

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for temptation

Middle English temptacioun "testing, enticement to sin," borrowed from Anglo-French tentacion, borrowed from Late Latin temptātiƍn-, temptātiƍ "enticement to sin," going back to Latin, "attempt, attack," from temptāre "to feel, test, attempt, make an assault on, attack" + -tiƍn-, -tiƍ, suffix of verbal action — more at tempt

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More Definitions for temptation

temptation

noun
How to pronounce temptation (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of temptation

: a strong urge or desire to have or do something
: something that causes a strong urge or desire to have or do something and especially something that is bad, wrong, or unwise

See the full definition for temptation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

temptation

noun
temp·​ta·​tion | \ temp-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce temptation (audio) \

Kids Definition of temptation

1 : the act of considering or causing to consider doing something wrong or unwise
2 : a strong desire a temptation for candy
3 : something that causes a strong desire The money was a temptation.

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More from Merriam-Webster on temptation

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with temptation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for temptation

Spanish Central: Translation of temptation

Nglish: Translation of temptation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of temptation for Arabic Speakers

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