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
The new offering is the producer’s Extra Umami Hot Chili Crisp, which dials back some of the spice and pumps up the savory flavor. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026 The local food, enlivened by a blend of 22 herbs and spices, is prepared over a firepit and brought to the table in clay pots. — James Rampton, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
Pie filling comes pre-sweetened and spiced, so swapping it into a recipe that calls for plain puree will throw off the sugar, salt and seasoning. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Following Omani tradition, an Arabic coffee lightly spiced with cardamom and rose water was prepared for guests. — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 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
  • The bath products are from one of my favorite local producers, Harnn, who created a scent exclusively for Kromo.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Each can be worn solo or layered for a custom concoction—whatever the case, each cozy scent is bound to be a hit with the mom who always makes the holidays so memorable.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • And it's got that real racing DNA flavor through it, with the old Audi Sport side coming through.
    — Morgan Korn, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • For example, the brand is already at work on a lemon-lime version — the original flavor of Gatorade.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of flavor
Noun
  • Aromas of honeysuckle, lemon zest, and matcha draw you into the glass for flavors of orange pith, crushed chalk, and marzipan.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Cinnamon toast involves fluffy milk bread, orange-zest sour cream and pepitas.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of zest
Noun
  • Just plug it in, choose your essential oil fragrance and select your timer setting.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • This isn’t a holiday-specific activity, either; Sephora offers fragrance sampler kits year-round!
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of fragrance
Noun
  • Even nicotine-free formulas contain flavorings and solvent agents like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Later that day, at the other end of the sprawling coastal city, an inspection team arrived unannounced at a factory for food flavorings and bakery additives.
    — Zishaan a Latif, New York Times, 3 Oct. 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
  • These highly reactive products form rapidly, leading to significant oxidative damage, substantial browning, and off-flavors and aromas.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Brewing in clay helps maintain aroma longer, and the valve into the base of the dripper allows more gentle oxygenation according to Alfaro.
    — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • The 8-inch Chef Knife is full-tang and balanced the way a professional knife should feel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Cream cheese and mozzarella pack in enough dairy richness for a satisfying cheese pull and mellow out the subtle bitterness of baby spinach and nutty tang of artichoke hearts.
    — Kelsey Jane Youngman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spice

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spice

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