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
For example, spice maker McCormick initially warned investors that tariffs could cost $70 million in fiscal 2025 as prices for black pepper, cinnamon and vanilla were projected to rise. Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026 If your spring outfits haven't been hitting, the next course of action is to add some spice. Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
The new upgrade was unveiled March 30 at Wendy’s restaurants nationwide, so maybe now's a good time to spice up your lunch routine. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Mar. 2026 To complement this, Rice also spiced the whole thing with a dash of absinthe, whose botanical intensity compensates for the sherry’s relative lack of weight. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spice
Noun
  • Strong-smelling companion plants mask the scent of crops so pests cannot find them.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Throw out those old sponges and try out a new scent (like a fresh lemon or floral) to make your home smell brand new.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Each one is thoughtfully crafted with its alcoholic sibling in mind, so the notes and flavors felt more like siblings than distant cousins.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Each pea is a miraculous burst of freshness that can stand up to assertive flavors.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The addition of both bagna càuda and lemon zest transformed the simple white pie into a riot of umami.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Lime juice gives this rice bowl a summery zest while cayenne and jalapeño pepper add a nice kick.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Now, the retailer's area has better signage and is situated with the rest of the beauty products and fragrances, leading sales to jump 40% between 2023 and 2024 at NEX Oceana.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge,Ryan Baker, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The syringa is nicknamed mock orange because the sweet fragrance of its white flowers are similar to the scent of orange blossoms.
    Bruce Whiting, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Pure almond extract is a concentrated flavoring made from bitter almonds, alcohol, and water.
    Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Sporked also notes that the ingredients include enriched cornmeal, vegetable oils and cheese flavoring, all of which are processed into a shelf-stable product designed to last over time.
    Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • 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 flavors and aromas of almond extract resemble marzipan more than raw nuts.
    Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Channel catfish rely on scent, and they are attracted to salty, sweet, and pungent aromas.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But not only does this texture work, combined with the sharp sourdough tang of the crust, the effect is stunning.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Hunter Sauce is described as a sweet chili sauce with notes of chili, garlic and pepper, while Demon Sauce is a bold mustard sauce with heat and tang.
    Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spice. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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