tantalizing

1 of 2

adjective

tan·​ta·​liz·​ing ˈtan-tə-ˌlī-ziŋ How to pronounce tantalizing (audio)
Synonyms of tantalizing
: possessing a quality that arouses or stimulates desire or interest
also : mockingly or teasingly out of reach
tantalizingly adverb

tantalizing

2 of 2

present participle of tantalize

Examples of tantalizing in a Sentence

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Adjective
At the heart of this movie is a tantalizing hint of an exasperation that’s not just that of a teenager, but of a generation. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 Unexpectedly bright colors in Samaan’s apartment, with its views over Cairo, offer tantalizing prospects of a better tomorrow which fail to arrive. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 And Evans, with his bizarre nude scene and jittery need for control has emerged as a tantalizing potential villain. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 For years, the Magic have sold their fans on promise, potential and the tantalizing prospect of what this young team might someday become. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tantalizing

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of tantalize

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1683, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tantalizing was circa 1683

Rhymes for tantalizing

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Browse Nearby Words

tantalizer
tantalizing
tantalizingly
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Cite this Entry

“Tantalizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tantalizing. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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