tantalising
Just beyond reach
Tantalising describes something that tempts or teases by offering something desirable but keeping it just out of reach: a tantalising glimpse of what's to come, the tantalising smell of fresh bread.
The word suggests pleasure mixed with frustration—you want what you're being shown but can't quite have it.
British spelling of tantalizing.
Powerfully attractive, tempting
- captivatingDeeply holding one's attention
- enticingPowerfully attractive
- bewitchingPowerfully and mysteriously charming
- enchantingDelightfully attractive, spellbinding
mesmerizing · beguiling · irresistible · spellbinding · entrancing · magnetic · fascinating · hypnotic
Extremely appealing to eat
- delectableExtremely pleasing to taste
- scrumptiousExtremely pleasing to taste
- lusciousRichly pleasing to senses
- temptingArousing desire or interest
savory · toothsome · succulent · ambrosial · piquant · aromatic · flavorful · inviting
Pleasurably stimulating, often sensually
- suggestiveHinting at impropriety
- risqueBordering on improper
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- flirtatiousPlayfully romantic in manner
coy · coquettish · seductive · saucy · racy · stimulating · arousing · sultry
Hard to find
- out-of-reachBeyond one's grasp
- unattainableImpossible to acquire
- forbiddenNot allowed
- SisypheanEndlessly, pointlessly laborious
dangling · tormenting · frustrating · teasing · agonizing · promised · withheld · unreachable
seductive
Powerfully attractive, tempting
- captivatingDeeply holding one's attention
- enticingPowerfully attractive
- bewitchingPowerfully and mysteriously charming
enchanting · mesmerizing · beguiling · irresistible · spellbinding · entrancing · magnetic · fascinating · hypnotic · arresting
mouthwatering
Extremely appealing to eat
- delectableExtremely pleasing to taste
- scrumptiousExtremely pleasing to taste
- lusciousRichly pleasing to senses
tempting · savory · toothsome · succulent · ambrosial · piquant · aromatic · flavorful · inviting · appetizing
titillating
Pleasurably stimulating, often sensually
- suggestiveHinting at impropriety
- risqueBordering on improper
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
flirtatious · coy · coquettish · seductive · saucy · racy · stimulating · arousing · sultry · provocative
elusive
Hard to find
- out-of-reachBeyond one's grasp
- unattainableImpossible to acquire
- forbiddenNot allowed
Sisyphean · dangling · tormenting · frustrating · teasing · agonizing · promised · withheld · unreachable
tantalisingrepulsive
Causing strong disgust
repellent · off-putting · uninviting · unappealing · disgusting
tantalisingsatisfying
Producing fulfillment or pleasure
fulfilling · gratifying · satiating · satisfactory · quenching