# tantalizing

/ˈtænəˌɫaɪzɪŋ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tantalizing
Updated: 2026-07-29

## Definition

So temptingly attractive that you long for it — especially when it stays just out of reach.

For teachers: Arousing eager desire or anticipation, especially for something glimpsed, promised, or almost within reach but withheld. Frequent collocations: a tantalizing glimpse, prospect, hint, aroma, or possibility.

## Examples

- The smell of fresh bread was tantalizing.
- The view from the top of the mountain was tantalizing, but the steep path made the climb feel impossible.
- The detective followed a tantalizing lead that promised to solve the case, only to discover it was a cleverly constructed red herring by the suspect.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.