Synonyms for
Temptation
Definition
The desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- resist temptation
- overcome temptation
- yield to temptation
- face temptation
- source of temptation
- strong temptation
- great temptation
- avoid temptation
Word family
Usage note
Temptation often implies a desire for something that is considered wrong or unwise. 'Tempting' as an adjective describes something that attracts or entices.
Example sentences
- He resisted the temptation to cheat on the test.
- She gave in to the temptation to buy the expensive shoes.
- The temptation to skip class was too great for him to resist.
- The chocolate cake looked so delicious that he couldn't resist the temptation to have a slice.
- The temptation to quit his job and travel the world was always on his mind.
Quotes
Temptation is like a knife, that may either cut the meat or the throat of a man; it may be his food or his poison, his exercise or his destruction. - John Owen
The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it. - Oscar Wilde
The greatest temptation in life is to settle for mediocrity. - Thomas Merton