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Definition of temptation

temptation

/tɛmpˈteɪ.ʃən/
temp · ta · tion
Plural:temptations
•
Adjective:temptational
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temptation Lexical Profile

temptation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A strong urge or desire to do or have something, especially something wrong, unwise, or forbidden.

Example

"She resisted the temptation to check her phone during the lecture."

2

Something that attracts, entices, or seduces a person, often toward an imprudent or immoral course of action.

Example

"The warm bakery display was a constant temptation to anyone trying to stick to a strict diet."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for temptation

• Nearby Words

temporariness
temporary
tempt
temptation
tempter
tempting
temptingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'temptacion', from Latin 'temptatio' (a testing, trial, or attack), derived from 'temptare' (to feel, test, try, or entice).

Cite this Entry

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