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 The temptation, when considering the tech founder, is to confuse his oddity for genius. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Don’t cut the apprenticeship For employers, better output creates a temptation to hire fewer juniors. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 As the frontman of the Killers, Flowers, 45, has spent more than two decades singing about the struggles and the temptations at the heart of the American dream. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 As a surgeon surrounded every day by the fragile line between life and death, temptation is never far away. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temptation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temptation

Noun

Neill performed the same From Russia With Love seduction scene Brolin had tackled four years earlier.

— Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
With eight episodes featuring Williams alongside Carrie-Anne Moss, Clark Backo, Noah Reid, and more, fans are in for secrets, seduction, folklore, and the supernatural.

— Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of seduction

Noun

Hoyer shockingly stole Counsell from the Brewers three years ago with the lure of the biggest managerial contract ever, believing Counsell’s obvious skills and brains would help strengthen the Cubs and weaken the Brewers.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
The presence of Greek life on campus, with its stately houses, exuberant social events and starring role in American pop culture, can also be a lure for students, the lifeblood of academia.

— Brittany Shammas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of lure

Noun

New discoveries matter only if companies have the incentive and capital to bring them to market.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Some may question whether these procedures are used too often, whether the evidence supporting them is strong enough, or whether financial incentives influence their use.

— Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 23 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of temptation

noun

Example Sentences

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