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
A little more chili on an already-spicy swangy snack could help restore the slowing effect that makes spice useful in the first place. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 Kung Po Iberico Pork gets sweetness from the apple but still brandishes that spice. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Verb
The eggs are fluffy, spiced by the chorizo with melty cheese. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026 These frequently used culinary herbs are easy to grow and will spice up your garden and your meals with flavor, color, and fragrance. — Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 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 thoughtful reformulation modernizes the scent with a crisper citrus top note, a mossier base, and improved longevity.
    — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The flies also spent far more time loitering outside the plume than inside it, even though nearly all their forward progress toward the source happened during those brief dips into the scent.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • This recipe calls for vanilla pudding mix, but white chocolate or cheesecake flavors also work well.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Whipped up in only 20 minutes, it’s packed with flavor from goat cheese, walnuts, prosciutto, green apple, and loads of garlic.
    — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of flavor
Noun
  • This results in a 92-proof gin with a pungent, piney nose, earthy zest, and creamy finish, perfect for classic cocktails.
    — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Garnish with additional lemon zest for a brighter citrus aroma.
    — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 30 July 2026
Definition of zest
Noun
  • Dior’s men’s fragrance business revolves around two modern pillars—Sauvage and Homme—and the prolific Kurkdjian thinks about the two pillars as neighboring territories.
    — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, there are twelve notes (to be specific), all handpicked by master perfumer and fragrance expert Jérôme Epinette capturing a range of floral, fruity, and earthy.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Definition of fragrance
Noun
  • The treat is made from blending water, sugar and fruit flavorings into a smooth dense consistency.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • These are made by blending different cuts of pork, beef, or chicken with preservatives, salt, and flavorings.
    — Lauren Manaker MS, Health, 14 July 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
  • Its distinct warm, smoky, and toasted aromas, resulting from the roasting process, offer a unique flavor profile with less bitterness.
    — Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Some residents expressed concerns about pollution, the traffic congestion, the dangers of errant drivers around kids and the lingering aroma of frying food.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • The lemon zest and juice bring plenty of brightness, but the yogurt adds a little tang, too, that keeps the whole cake from turning cloyingly sweet.
    — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026
  • Sherry has a nutty flavor, and balsamic vinegar adds a rich, syrupy tang to glazes.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spice

Nglish: Translation of spice for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spice

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