spices 1 of 2

plural of spice
1
as in scents
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 flavors
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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spices

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of spice
as in sauces
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 spices
Noun
To make it, toss the shrimp in a simple blend of chili powder and spices, brown them in a skillet and transfer to a plate. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026 The word entered English during British rule in India and was later extended to mean a hot alcoholic drink, especially one mixed with spirits, hot water, sugar, and spices. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 It was sweetened with honey, seasoned with fragrant spices, and baked religiously across Europe. Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 Our belle of the barbecue is a citrusy take on an American classic—beer-can chicken—with an ode to mojo criollo, a marinade traditionally made with bitter sour oranges, warm spices, and a heavy hand of garlic. Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 Made with premium pork cuts and loaded with spices, these sausage links are a flavorful alternative to the usual hot dog. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026 Beans from that region have a slightly different taste than typical American coffee, and baristas in Arabic coffee shops add different spices and flavors. Jenna Thompson june 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026 Arid deserts, tall grasses, sandalwood heating up with cardamom and other spices—this rugged solar floral has it all. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 28 June 2026 The mix of buttermilk, mayonnaise, herbs, and spices has since become not only America's favorite salad dressing but a popular flavor internationally. Drew Pittock, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
The design detail spices up standard summer uniforms by adding texture and a more exciting, intentional feel to, say, a denim-shorts-and-white-T-shirt look. Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 June 2026 Filled with vegetables, greens, and spices this one-pot pasta is a vegetarian dream. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026 Plus, the mint base contrasted with the purple detailing is playful and effortlessly spices up any outfit. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spices
Noun
  • Inspired by the Alps of northern Italy, each of the six scents captures a moment, place or object from founder Ermenegildo Zegna’s life, preserving memory through fragrance.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Another practice involved staff stuffing insects, herbs and different scents into the leaves of lettuce heads, offering the adolescent skunks another challenge that would put their developing foraging skills to the test.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Serve up the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie with less pressure by simply tossing all of the ingredients into your Dutch oven.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
  • Pink pineapple flavors mixed with lemonade, and layered with dragonfruit pieces for a bright, juicy sip.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Shop the best fragrances to layer, including D&S and Durga Steamed Rainbow and Cyklar Sex Musk Roll-On Perfume Oil, from $24.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • Avoid Fragrant Products That Attract Mosquitoes Using perfumed products may attract mosquitoes, especially those with sweet or fruity fragrances.
    The Spruce, The Spruce, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Add lemon juice and any additional extracts or flavorings the recipe calls for before gently folding in the cornstarch.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2026
  • Many family recipes call for other flavorings like onions, Worcestershire, tomato paste, and vinegar.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Black and oolong teas are not roasted, but oxidized to bring out different aromas.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Last but not least, Banana Blend, which centers around one of the most popular fruity aromas right now.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • With a history that stretches back to 1221, this is considered the world’s oldest pharmacy, where Dominican friars produced medicinal tinctures and perfumes.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
  • Instead, the category has recently evolved into something nuanced, blending new, unusual accords and creamy textures to create sophisticated, emotionally complex perfumes.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spices.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spices. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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