spice 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Place chicken and spice mixture in a large ziplock plastic bag; seal bag and turn to coat evenly. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 17 May 2026 Neighbors Counter Height Table Add a place in your kitchen to dine, store dishware and spices, or entertain guests with this do-it-all piece. Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Verb
Now on sale for under $50, this layered top features a high-neck tank beneath a wide-neck T-shirt with half-length sleeves to spice up your look. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026 Ragin’ Cajun to spice up 49ers linebacker corps? Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spice
Noun
  • Scientists assumed bull ants, which don’t rely primarily on scent navigation, had to wake up before dark and use the day’s last light to find their way to sustenance.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 17 May 2026
  • The scent of olive orchards and sea salt fill the air, the whizz of our tires the only soundtrack.
    Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Here, Baja flavors shine, and seafood is the main draw—the only-in-Baja totoaba fish is a must-try.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Overall, testers were impressed by the classic flavor this ice cream sandwich offered.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • To make the aji verde, add the cilantro, mint, parsley, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, serrano, honey, sour cream, salt and pepper to a blender.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
  • Top with the lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • According to Kristina Strunz, managing director, Southeast Asia & Oceania, fragrance is its strongest category, accounting for the majority of sales.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 May 2026
  • Add in the signature fragrance, a welcome cup of tea, and live music that plays throughout the day, and this has to be one of the most Chinese-style hotel lobbies in Beijing’s top echelon of hotels.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Dr Pepper has a subtle flavoring of 23 spices, which is perfect for a sheet cake topped with chocolate frosting and pecans.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
  • The grocer is ditching even more artificial preservatives and flavorings.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
  • Don’t miss Shinrin-Yoku, a crisp and delicate Japanese-style rice lager, or the ever-popular Sightglass IPA, built on a pilsner malt base with aromas of berry and key lime.
    Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
  • Don’t skip the almond extract—a small splash deepens the cherry flavor and gives the filling its bakery-style aroma.
    Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The dish had hardly a hint of sweetness at all beyond the butter’s lactic tang.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
  • Pepper-forward Owensboro Barbecue Sauce is heavy on the spices and tang but light on the prep.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spice. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on spice

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster