Tempting
adjective /ˈtɛmptɪŋ/ — Appealing in a way that creates an impulse to have, do, or pursue it.
Definition
Appealing to or arousing desire; tending to attract or entice someone toward something, especially something that may be inadvisable.
Beyond the definition
Tempting is the word for the attractive thing that comes with implicit warning — the temptation is the pull toward something you're not entirely sure you should pursue. The word carries the memory of every time someone has made the wrong choice in a story.
Origin & history
From Latin temptare — to test, to try (possibly from root of tendere: to stretch). The original temptation was a test — to tempt was to try someone's resistance. What tempts you reveals something about your constitution.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The offer was tempting in a way that made her suspicious — the best offers usually are.
She found it tempting to say yes to everything when she was tired: easier, less friction.
What we find tempting tells us something true about ourselves, which is why temptation is worth watching.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Tempting” when the meaning fits your context: Appealing to or arousing desire; tending to attract or entice someone toward something, especially something that may be inadvisable.
Synonyms
enticing, alluring, inviting, appealing, irresistible
Antonyms
unappealing, repellent, off-putting
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Savouring rich sauce and bread
An adult in a kitchen holds bread dipped in a rich, simmering sauce, with steam rising up.
The sensory appeal of the food and the satisfaction on the person's face arouse desire, tempting the observer toward the experience of the food.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Tempting" mean?
Tempting is adjective meaning: Appealing in a way that creates an impulse to have, do, or pursue it.. Appealing to or arousing desire; tending to attract or entice someone toward something, especially something that may be inadvisable.
Where does the word "Tempting" come from?
From Latin temptare — to test, to try (possibly from root of tendere: to stretch). The original temptation was a test — to tempt was to try someone's resistance. What tempts you reveals something about your constitution.