tempting Hear it!

tempting Definition

tempt·ing (-tiŋ)

adjective

that tempts; alluring; attractive; seductive

tempting Related Forms
tempt·ingly adverb
tempting Synonyms

tempting

modif.

appetizing, attractive, fascinating, intriguing, rousing, tantalizing, provoking, provocation, alluring, mouth-watering*, temptatious*; see also charming, tasteful 1, 2.

Antonyms ugly*, repulsive, unwholesome.

tempting Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • deliciously: The window outside is so deliciously tempting - I'll leave that one for you to discover!
  • however: Do not buy puppies from dealers however tempting it may be.
  • too: Such an offer was too tempting for Italy to refuse.
  • very: Taking such a large lump sum can be very tempting.

Infinitive complement

  • speculate: Nevertheless it is tempting to speculate that the gene could have offered a selective advantage at some point in the past.
  • conclude: It is very tempting to conclude that the pill caused the recovery.
  • dismiss: Or it will be tempting to dismiss any such primacy of the individual as idealist fantasy.
  • suppose: They pose such a global threat that it would be tempting to suppose that nothing could be done about them.
  • think: It is tempting to think of a last stand by the local natives against the might of the Roman Empire.
  • assume: It may be tempting to assume that this is actually a record of the real-time activity.

Modifies a noun

  • fate: By making a Will you are not tempting fate.
  • providence: It was tempting providence to turn a bout in harbor against the sun.
  • freebie: Throw in tempting freebies as well and you will have a potent marketing mix.
  • aroma: Mmmm, the tempting aroma of fish & chips, the beguiling scents of incense & patchouli oil.
  • dessert: The tempting desserts are well worth leaving room for.
  • dish: Food & Wine Cyprus is a food lover's paradise, where tempting Greek dishes are fused with exotic Middle Eastern recipes.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: When you look at auction house prices it can seem very tempting.
  • prove: Will convenience prove tempting by the end of the week?
  • look: Packed into narrow boxes, about eight strings to a box they look very tempting.
  • sound: I'd promised myself I wouldn't have a dessert but theirs sounded far too tempting!