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Definition of tantalize

tantalize

/ˈtæn.tə.laɪz/
(UK: tantalise)
tan · ta · lize
Adverb:tantalizingly
•
Adjective:tantalizing
•
Past Simple:tantalized
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Past Participle:tantalized
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Present Participle:tantalizing
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tantalize Lexical Profile

tantalize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To torment or tease someone with the sight or promise of something desirable that is kept just out of reach.

Example

"The aroma of freshly baked bread continued to tantalize the hungry commuters waiting outside the bakery."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for tantalize

• Nearby Words

tannish
tannoy
tansy
tantalize
tantalizing
tantalizingly
tantamount

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century from the name of Tantalus, a mythical Phrygian king punished in Tartarus by being made to stand in a pool of water beneath fruit-laden branches that receded whenever he reached to eat or drink.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tantalize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tantalize
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