nutritive

adjective

nu·​tri·​tive ˈnü-trə-tiv 

ˈnyü-

1

: of or relating to nutrition

2

: nourishing

nutritively adverb

Synonyms of nutritive

• nutritional

Examples of nutritive in a Sentence

the nutritive value of certain grains

some people contend that whole wheat bread is significantly more nutritive than white bread

Recent Examples on the Web

They’re typically sweetened with artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners, such as aspartame or sucralose, which don’t raise blood sugar levels. —Caitlin Beale, Health, 20 Jan. 2026

People should also limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, dyes, low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners and artificial preservatives, the new guidelines said. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026

Hearty and warming, I was hooked by both its nutritive qualities and obvious ease for immediate consumption. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Dec. 2025

Compared to sugar, many nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners may be better for weight management, blood sugar, gut health, and other aspects of your health. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nutritive

• nutritive ratio

Kids Definition

nutritive

adjective

nu·​tri·​tive ˈn(y)ü-trət-iv 

1

: of or relating to nutrition

2

: nutritious

Medical Definition

nutritive

adjective

nu·​tri·​tive ˈn(y)ü-trət-iv 

1

: of or relating to nutrition

2

: nourishing