spice 1 of 2

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
Plants that grow in forested areas can impart the spirit with fresh notes of herbs or pine, while sotol made from plants residing in more arid regions can accrue mineral, earthy undertones with hints of smoke and spice. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 20 May 2025 Because budget meal kits tend to be built on simpler flavors—a single herb or sauce or spice. Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 18 May 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, there’s Tami, lost for half the movie in the sewers underground after Craig leads her down there trying to spice things up (whoever thought that would end well?). Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 9 May 2025 Accentuate the curves of your sloped lawn to spice up a basic plot. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spice
Noun
  • There’s a fragrance-free option, which dries down to have zero scent on the skin.
    Kristin Canning, Wired News, 21 May 2025
  • In language as deft and muscular as Rosa’s team, Drexler captures the scent of the blood and the resin, every wisecrack and sob story, every flake of talc and gob of spit, every pimple and blackhead on the lady wrestlers’ thighs.
    Lauren Elkin, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Best Time to Visit Zion National Park is open year-round, and each season brings a different flavor of adventure.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025
  • For decor, Pollock says to let bold colors and spicy details bring the flavor.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Express an orange zest twist over the cocktail then garnish with a sliced orange wheel.
    Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • This is also a great place to add in orange or lime zest for citrus bars.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • In 2022, a federal law required the FDA to develop guidelines for disclosing fragrance allergens in certain SPF products by July 2024, the report stated.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Related Articles In addition, the company has inked a worldwide fragrance license with Desire Fragrances, a subsidiary of Fragrantica, with new scents potentially landing late this year.
    Holly Haber, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • In recent years, the tequila world has been rocked by debates over additives—glycerin, sweeteners, and artificial flavorings used to mask poor quality or speed up production.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • But most commercial ginger ale beverages do not contain any actual ginger, just artificial flavorings.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • The miso ranch seeps into the egg, only recognizable as a slight tang that’s detectable in select bites.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Just don’t forgo the citrus finish—these noodles need their tang.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Pronounced aromas of charred oak, caramelized banana, vanilla bean, and fresh-baked cornbread are featured on the nose.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • The sweet, earthy aroma after a late August rainstorm.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The most notable part of this gag was not the joke itself, a standard late-night quip delivered with appropriate piquancy.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The most notable part of this gag was not the joke itself, a standard late-night quip delivered with appropriate piquancy.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spice. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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