tantalize

verb

Definition of tantalizenext
as in to intrigue
to cause (someone) to feel interest or excitement about something that is very attractive, appealing, etc. She was tantalized by the possibility of earning a lot of money quickly.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tantalize New blood tests that might predict Alzheimer’s years before symptoms begin may sound tantalizing for people who worry about later-in-life dementia. — Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026 For a tennis tournament, that tantalizing market of maybe-future customers means people who do not currently know or care all that much about tennis. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026 This mystery has tantalized scientists since Charles Darwin mused on it in 1871, spawning no shortage of competing theories about the origins of Earth’s biology around four billion years ago. — Philip Ball, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026 Rebecca seems sinister but is also tantalizing, especially to Eileen (Thomasin McKenzie), a shy secretary who becomes Rebecca’s… confidant? — Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tantalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tantalize
  1. intrigue
  2. excite
  3. thrill
Verb
  • Dumas was intrigued as Hermès was dealing with a generational crisis of how to evolve the company without losing its core customers.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026
  • What intrigues you about taking this fish, who’s been out of water, and throwing him back into familiar waters?
    — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of intrigue
Verb
  • Recent developments, such as Meta's Muse personal agent app and its latest proprietary foundation model, Muse Wonder, released earlier this week, have begun to excite investors who are optimistic about new AI business opportunities.
    — Kif Leswing,Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • And, continuing their hot streak, Celine and Chanel have buyers excited about next season’s ready-to-wear and accessory sales.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • For me, getting to explore the interior lives of women with a rejection towards society’s pressure to have to uphold some false perfection — that’s really thrilling for me as an artist.
    — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The Sinners actress was captured bringing the biggest fan energy in the stands as Allen helped lead Buffalo to a thrilling 37-34 overtime win at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Monday.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of thrill

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tantalize
tantalized
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Cite this Entry

“Tantalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tantalize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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