tempt

To make someone want to do something, sometimes something they should not do.

• The offer tempted me to stay.
• She tempted us into trying the spicy soup.
• I was tempted to read his private messages.

How to use it: tempt someone to do something (The low price tempted me to buy another pair.); tempt someone into doing something (They tempted him into joining the competition.)

Similar words: entice, lure

Opposites: deter

Common phrases: tempt someone to, tempt someone into, tempt someone with

To seem attractive or enjoyable to someone and make them want something.

• The chocolate cake tempted me.
• Nothing on the menu tempted her.
• The smell of fresh bread tempted hungry shoppers.

How to use it: tempt someone with something (The bakery tempts customers with fresh cakes.)

Similar words: attract, entice, appeal to

Opposites: repel

Common phrases: tempt the appetite, tempt someone with, tempt hungry shoppers

To encourage someone to do something wrong, often by offering something they want.

• The devil tempted him to sin.
• They tempted her with money to reveal the secret.
• Would a large reward tempt you to break the rules?

How to use it: tempt someone to do something (The promise of easy money tempted him to cheat.); tempt someone with something (They tempted the guard with a large bribe.)

Similar words: entice, lead astray

Opposites: deter

Common phrases: tempt someone to, tempt someone with, tempt someone into