Synonyms for

Tempt

Verb / tempt / Another word for tempt — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to entice or try to persuade someone to do something, especially by promising something pleasant or rewarding

Synonyms & similar words

charm allure entice lure invite influence entice lure seduce persuade encourage influence attract charm beguile coax woo invite draw provoke incite prompt motivate stimulate excite arouse

Synonyms by register

Formal

entice lure seduce incite

Informal

కోవ persuade egg on

Literary

allure beguile

Antonyms

resist refuse reject abstain forbear repel

Common collocations

  • tempt fate
  • tempt providence
  • tempt someone to do something
  • tempt the devil
  • tempt with
  • tempt into

Word family

noun temptation
verb tempt
adjective tempting

Usage note

To 'tempt' often implies offering something desirable to make someone do something they might otherwise not. It can carry a negative connotation, suggesting a moral or ethical compromise.

Example sentences

  1. The smell of fresh cookies tempted me to have one.
  2. She was tempted to skip class and go to the beach.
  3. The salesman tried to tempt me with a great deal on a new car.
  4. I am trying to resist the temptation to eat the whole bag of chips.
  5. He was tempted to cheat on the test, but decided to do the right thing.

Quotes

  • “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.” - Oscar Wilde
  • “Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell.” - Unknown
  • “Temptation is a woman's weapon and man's excuse.” - H.L. Mencken

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