tantalizing

American  

[tan-tl-ahy-zing] / ˈtæn tlˌaɪ zɪŋ /

adjective

1. having or exhibiting something that provokes or arouses expectation, interest, or desire, especially that which remains unobtainable or beyond one's reach.

   a tantalizing taste of success.

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Other Word Forms

• tantalizingly adverb
• untantalizing adjective

Etymology

Origin of tantalizing

First recorded in 1650–60; tantalize + -ing ²

Example Sentences

His precious moments are not memories of an idealized past, nor projections of a tantalizing dream, but interventions in our complex present that reveal beautiful and unsettling layers.

From Los Angeles Times

They’re inspiring and tantalizing, each salad photo a beautiful showcase of visual media at its finest.

From Salon

There were tantalizing glimpses in the second half against Iowa.

From Los Angeles Times

Venezuela’s oil has long been tantalizing —and problematic.

From Barron's

Venezuela’s oil has long been tantalizing —and problematic.

From Barron's

Related Words

• alluring