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Enticing parallels: "tantalize" vs. "tempt"
Reviewed and edited by 
Lloyd Cooper 19/11/2024, 11:55
Lloyd Cooper 19/11/2024, 11:55English.me team member
What is similar?
Both "tantalize" and "tempt" refer to actions that entice or allure someone or something, often causing desire or curiosity.
What is different?
The word "tantalize" implies prolonged teasing or provoking with something desirable but unattainable, often causing frustration. "Tempt" suggests causing a desire or an urge to do something, especially something considered wrong or unwise, without the necessity of prolonging it or making it unattainable.
Which one is more common?
Examples of usage
Tantalize- The aroma from the bakery tantalized us as we walked by.
- He tantalized his friend with tales of his luxurious travels.
- The promise of a distant future prize tantalized the contestants.
- The smell of freshly baked cookies tempted her to break her diet.
- The shiny new phone tempted him to spend more than he had budgeted.
- She was tempted to skip her workout and watch TV instead.
Difference
