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Definition of tantalizing

tantalizing

/ˈtæn.tə.laɪ.zɪŋ/
(UK: tantalising)
tan · ta · liz · ing
Adverb:tantalizingly
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tantalizing Lexical Profile

tantalizing Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Exciting the senses or desires with something highly appealing that remains just out of reach or not immediately attainable.

Example

"The bakery window displayed a tantalizing array of freshly glazed pastries and fruit tarts."

2

Arousing keen curiosity or expectation while withholding full satisfaction or complete knowledge.

Example

"Archaeologists uncovered a few tantalizing clues about how the ancient settlement was abandoned."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

tannoy
tansy
tantalize
tantalizing
tantalizingly
tantamount
tantric

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'tantalize', which comes from the name of Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology who was condemned in the underworld 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 Tantalizing. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tantalizing
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