spice 1 of 2

noun

ˈspīs How to pronounce spice (audio)
Definition of spicenext
1
as in scent
a sweet or pleasant smell a cologne for men that captures all of the spice of the sea

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in flavor
something (as a spice or herb) that adds an agreeable or interesting taste to food Europe in Columbus's time imported rare and valuable spices from the Indies

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3
as in zest
the quality or state of being stimulating to the mind or senses a new hobby will add spice to your life

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spice

2 of 2

verb

as in to flavor
to make more pleasant to the taste by adding something intensely flavored spice the stew with more pepper

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Example Sentences

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 spice
Noun
Cinnamon, rich in antioxidants, is known for fighting inflammation but has prompted questions about whether the spice has any other benefits beyond soothing. — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Mulled cider adds spices and citrus to apple cider, then heats the mixture to infuse those flavors. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
The cobbler is spiced with the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors missing in food-service cobblers, and the peaches still have snap. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026 Glazed baby back ribs, satisfyingly sticky and spiced with gochujang, come smothered with melting mozzarella for crazy long cheese pulls on Chicago-style, falling-off-the-bone pork. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spice
  1. scent
  2. flavor
  3. zest
  4. fragrance
  5. flavoring
  6. piquancy
  7. aroma
  8. tang
Noun
  • They are well documented in insects and other animals, and some pheromones do not have a discernible scent, Scientific American explained.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Nobody loves bug bites, or the scent of being doused in bug spray.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • In This Article Key Takeaways Fresh corn doesn’t need to boil for very long to enhance its sweet flavor and crunch.
    — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors have become increasingly common across grocery stores and restaurant menus, while the customizable bowl has become a fixture of the American workday lunch.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of flavor
Noun
  • Add the coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Add some flair The zest of a lemon, finely grated with a Microplane, is non-negotiable in my book.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of zest
Noun
  • Lavender Lavender is a popular garden perennial for its pleasantly calming fragrance and profuse purple blooms.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This pretty fixture works hard as a table lamp, candle warmer, and decor piece, offering a smoke-free way to add ambient light and fragrance to your space without the fire hazard.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fragrance
Noun
  • Starbucks invented the drink in 2003, and from its debut through 2014 the recipe contained only spices and flavorings, according to Starbucks.
    — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • For aficionados of foams and flavorings, there’s a seasonal rotation of coffee concoctions such as the Lakeside Daydream, cold brew with a lashing of raspberry syrup and a cloud of pistachio cold foam.
    — Lila Harron Battis, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of flavoring
Noun
  • Those split levels of child and adult consciousness give the film a certain piquancy, a little gap where drama can spark in a story where almost nothing really happens except a kid takes a plane ride, or several plane rides, with his mom.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
  • That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of piquancy
Noun
  • The rice is stirred over medium heat for a few minutes, giving the grains time to become opaque or lightly golden and release a toasty, nutty aroma.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The specific compounds responsible for the classic smoky aroma of a campfire – phenolic compounds like guaiacol and syringol – are highly reactive.
    — Michael A. Robinson, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • The kumquat shrub soda ($5) marries the citric brightness of kumquat with the tang of vinegar, brought to life with sparkling water.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake layer, which helps to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and peach topping.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of tang

Browse Nearby Words

sphinxlike
spice
spiced
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Cite this Entry

“Spice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spice. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spice

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spice

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