TANTALIZES Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

tantalizes

verb

present tense third-person singular of tantalize

as in intrigues

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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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 tantalizes The menu changes bimonthly, but always tantalizes with dishes like Mini Truffled Brioche Sandwich and Braised Provencal Duck Leg. — Sarah Miller, Midwest Living, 29 Apr. 2026 But 36–23 still taunts and tantalizes us, a magical missing score that reminds every Scorigami devotee that what’s possible isn’t preordained. — Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025 Set in his native Scotland and lovingly photographed, the film tantalizes even without a terribly original story. — Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tantalizes

Verb

The novel that will form the basis of Reacher’s now-in-production fifth season, 2015’s Make Me, finds Reacher visiting a midwestern hamlet called Mother’s Rest because the town’s name intrigues him.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
As McQueen is about to call the police something in her raw honesty, her boldness, intrigues him.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of intrigues

Verb

Railing against a new crop of progressive candidates has emerged as a more animating focus for a president who thrills to a fight.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Her strict economy, honed by her early years of writing and endlessly revising (under the exacting eye of Allene Talmey) tight captions for Vogue, thrills the editor in me.

— Zinzi Clemmons, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

Definition of thrills

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“Tantalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tantalizes. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tantalizes

verb

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