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
Creole mustard is a zesty mix of coarsely ground brown mustard seeds, vinegar, and in some cases, spices such as paprika and cayenne. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026 What makes the spice aisle a quiet winner Spice jars are one of the easiest wins for home cooks. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
End-of-Summer Shoe Deals Grabbing a new pair of shoes is one of the easiest ways to spice up your outfits without going on an all-out shopping spree. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026 Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Chris Brown also hired the British music maker to spice up their work. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 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
  • Anti Bast grounds saffron and warm cardamom (a fall spice rack classic) with incense absolute and amber, creating a warm, spicy scent ideal for cooler weather.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Shop even more fall scents in the Better Homes & Gardens collection at Walmart.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • To be among my best of the best, a restaurant must serve dishes and drinks that are complete in terms of flavor and technique, from the premeal cocktails to dessert—like an album with no skips.
    — Jamila Robinson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of flavor
Noun
  • Add some flair The zest of a lemon, finely grated with a Microplane, is non-negotiable in my book.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Combine flour, ground almonds, sugar, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a large bowl and whisk to blend evenly so there are no lumps of sugar.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of zest
Noun
  • And peony, while bringing a lightness to an otherwise darker slate of fragrance trends, still feels like a more sophisticated floral than an obvious rose.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The launch is the inaugural step in Shiseido’s bigger strategy of building a credible reputation in fragrances for Max Mara, as executives teased other launches are on the way.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of fragrance
Noun
  • For aficionados of foams and flavorings, there’s a seasonal rotation of coffee concoctions such as the Lakeside Daydream, cold brew with a lashing of raspberry syrup and a cloud of pistachio cold foam.
    — Lila Harron Battis, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Salt and other flavorings also play their part, but acidity and fat are your foundation.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 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
  • Set over medium heat and warm, stirring continuously to release the tea flavor, color and vanilla-like aroma.
    — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This kit comes with an aroma sample and a felt diffuser—add a few drops of the Bergamot Tea Blossom scent to further enhance your bathing experience.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • The kumquat shrub soda ($5) marries the citric brightness of kumquat with the tang of vinegar, brought to life with sparkling water.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake layer, which helps to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and peach topping.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spice

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spice

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