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

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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

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
Nonstop dancing, food booths, and free color packets and thandai — an Indian cold drink made with milk, spices and nuts — are on offer at this festive celebration. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026 Flavored with fresh garlic, ginger, and warm spices like garam masala and Kashmiri chile powder, the yogurt coats every nook and cranny of the vegetables, helping each floret develop beautiful caramelization. Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Filled with vegetables, greens, and spices this one-pot pasta is a vegetarian dream. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026 Popeyes The Popeyes Seafood Menu has returned for a limited time, with four new dry rub options to spice up ala carte Shrimp and Tackle Box. Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spice
Noun
  • The likes of Interview editor-in-chief Mel Ottenberg and German photographer Wolfgang Tillmans have been spotted perusing the fair’s textiles, tableware, lighting, scents, ceramics, and furniture from independent designers, architects, heritage brands, family-run companies, and galleries.
    Katherine McGrath, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Of course, military operations often have to be kept under wraps to protect combatants and keep enemies off the scent.
    Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But the magic lies in Chipotle’s chicken choice (thighs, which deliver more flavor, fat, and juiciness than chicken breasts) and the marinade (which is warm and smoky thanks to chipotle peppers in adobo, cumin, and ancho chile powder).
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The yeast in particular gives them that signature bready flavor.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • His stunning 2023 Bourgogne Blanc has aromas of white flowers, white pear, and lemon zest.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Our Strawberry-Lemonade Cupcakes starts with a box of white cake mix, but a touch of lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla transform your mix into a bright cupcake that tastes completely homemade.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Fast-absorbing with a breezy, gel-like texture, the oil- and fragrance-free formula suits all skin types, including those with dry, acne-prone, and sensitive complexions.
    Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Most guys can get by without an aftershave, no shortage of which are fragrance conduits masquerading as moisturizers.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • A little goes a long way—the brine itself can be used for flavoring and color, and the cubes of tofu can be mashed with their liquid to make an ultra-savory paste.
    Jen Lin-Liu, Saveur, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Unoaked Chardonnay is especially good with earthier flavorings, like mushrooms or squash.
    Carla Lalli Music, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The man whom Navarro likes to call the Boss seems to value insincere, or bought, obeisance—the flapping and fussing of a maître d’—more than heartfelt fandom, which lacks the piquancy of humiliation.
    Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
  • And a jicama salad is my personal favorite, balancing heat in piquancy and chill in temperature.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The ventilation wasn’t perfect, so the place carried the sweet aroma of chlorine.
    Bill Hancock, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Cooking With Reservas Reservas, says Cogliandro Alioto, have a bright aroma and flavor.
    Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Both flavors balance a sweet heat with the brand's classic mustard tang.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
  • While each state imparts a different tang to a dish that may be common to all of South India, there are also a bevy of signature dishes unique to each state, and culinary approaches that are distinct to a state.
    Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spice. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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