Search Dictionary
Definition of tantalizingly

tantalizingly

/ˈtæn.tə.laɪ.zɪŋ.li/
(UK: tantalisingly)
tan · ta · liz · ing · ly
Adjective:tantalizing
JUMP TO:

tantalizingly Lexical Profile

tantalizingly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that excites the senses, desires, or curiosity, especially by remaining just out of reach.

Example

"The championship trophy remained tantalizingly close for the underdog team until the final seconds of the game."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tantalizingly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for tantalizingly

• Nearby Words

tansy
tantalize
tantalizing
tantalizingly
tantamount
tantric
tantrum

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'tantalize', which comes from the mythological Greek figure Tantalus, a king punished in the underworld by standing in a pool of water beneath fruit trees that receded whenever he reached for them.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tantalizingly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tantalizingly
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.