temptation

noun

temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce temptation (audio)
1
: the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil : enticement
2
: something tempting : a cause or occasion of enticement

Examples of temptation in a Sentence

Money is always a temptation. The dessert menu has a lot of delicious temptations. the temptations of the city
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This year, the temptation to chase the next shiny object will be strong. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Everyone’s temptations, whether helpful or not, come into view at the same time. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025 With an unforgivable 131-minute running time, The Kissing Booth 2 drags out Elle’s meaningless temptation by hot new transfer student Marco (Taylor Zakhar Perez), who serenades her on the beach by apparently pulling a guitar out of thin air. Josh Bell, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025 For many, the temptation is to throw up their hands in frustration, but giving in to hopelessness is not an option. Marybeth Gasman, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temptation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English temptacioun "testing, enticement to sin," borrowed from Anglo-French tentacion, borrowed from Late Latin temptātiōn-, temptātiō "enticement to sin," going back to Latin, "attempt, attack," from temptāre "to feel, test, attempt, make an assault on, attack" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at tempt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of temptation was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Temptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temptation. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

temptation

noun
temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce temptation (audio)
1
: the act of tempting : the state of being tempted especially to evil
2
: something tempting

More from Merriam-Webster on temptation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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