tantalizing

[tan-tl-ahy-zing]

adjective

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.

Origin of tantalizing

First recorded in 1650–60; tantalize + -ing²

Related formstan·ta·liz·ing·ly, adverbun·tan·ta·liz·ing, adjective

Can be confusedtantalizing titillating

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for tantalizingly

Contemporary Examples of tantalizingly

The White-Haired Man (James Morrison), so tantalizingly creepy in his appearance last season, was felled pretty quickly.
‘Revenge’: What Went Wrong with ABC’s Once-Daring Thriller?
Jace Lacob
March 8, 2013
After months of debate, lawmakers seeking to pass health-care reform are tantalizingly close to the goal line.
The Democrats' Doomsday Health Plans
Benjamin Sarlin
January 20, 2010
Rich in mythology and character development, and tantalizingly complex, Lost is not something to be watched passively.
The Lost Season
Allyssa Lee
September 15, 2009

Historical Examples of tantalizingly

Their friend's answers were brief and tantalizingly incomplete.
Cy Whittaker's Place
Joseph C. Lincoln
Frances' behavior to the young doctor was tantalizingly contradictory.
Kent Knowles: Quahaug
Joseph C. Lincoln
To yield to him was impossible, and yet the thought of it was tantalizingly sweet.
They of the High Trails
Hamlin Garland
"I'll tell you more about her—next time," I said, tantalizingly.
The Shadow World
Hamlin Garland
His name—” she hesitated tantalizingly—“is Signor Abraham Lincoln.
Jerry Junior
Jean Webster

Word Origin and History for tantalizingly

tantalizing

adj.

mid-17c., present participle adjective from tantalize. Related: Tantalizingly.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper