tantalize

verb

Definition of tantalizenext
as in to intrigue
to cause (someone) to feel interest or excitement about something that is very attractive, appealing, etc. She was tantalized by the possibility of earning a lot of money quickly.

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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 tantalize For some, the thought of rummaging around in a parent’s wardrobe is a less than tantalizing prospect, The same can’t be said for Sienna Miller’s eldest daughter, Marlowe Sturridge. — Olivia Allen, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2026 New blood tests that might predict Alzheimer’s years before symptoms begin may sound tantalizing for people who worry about later-in-life dementia. — Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026 For a tennis tournament, that tantalizing market of maybe-future customers means people who do not currently know or care all that much about tennis. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026 This mystery has tantalized scientists since Charles Darwin mused on it in 1871, spawning no shortage of competing theories about the origins of Earth’s biology around four billion years ago. — Philip Ball, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tantalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tantalize
  1. intrigue
  2. excite
  3. thrill
Verb
  • Still, there were a number of real-life court cases that intrigued him as a storyteller with a journalism background.
    — Tomris Laffly, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Played by Steve Earle, Dale offers Lee a sandwich, but Lee is more intrigued by a novelty mug in the cab of his truck.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of intrigue
Verb
  • Tonight’s Venus cazimi could clarify which connections or future plans still genuinely excite you.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The neighborhood Saúl Canal, the hotel’s general manager, has arrived at Serras Sevilla excited not only to manage the property but also to introduce the city to his guests.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • Their darkness and surreality narrow your attention and enhance your connection to their stunning, futuristic artifacts, turning a familiar experience into a thrilling journey.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Taylor was thrilled to see Mendoza take his opportunity to shoot the ball.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of thrill

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tantalize
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Cite this Entry

“Tantalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tantalize. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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