spices 1 of 2

Definition of spicesnext
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
The region’s North African influences (Tunisia lies just across the coast) are acutely manifest in its cuisine—San Vito Lo Capo hosts an annual couscous festival and chickpea fritters, pistachios, and spices such as saffron and cinnamon feature across many of its restaurants’ menus. Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026 Ingredients like herbs and spices are fine. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 12 Jan. 2026 Another is Wait Botanicamente AKA Eau de Parfum, which carries spices like pink pepper and saffron alongside a burst of grapefruit and grounding cedar. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026 Add the grated courgettes and onion to the peas, along with the leek, flour, herbs, spices, eggs, 1 3⁄4 teaspoons of salt and a good grind of black pepper. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 10 Jan. 2026 Most herbs and spices lose their oomph after one to three years. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026 While Ruki’s Kitchen isn’t a fusion restaurant, Lemma does offer two types of chicken wings rubbed in a mixture of Ethiopian or lemon pepper spices. Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 10 Jan. 2026 Another good analogy is to think of the main ingredient—in this case, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec—as the meat of the wine, with small amounts of additional grapes acting as herbs or spices. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025 Add eggs, flour, spices and salt; beat until thoroughly mixed. Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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
  • If 2025 was all about bold gourmands and commanding florals, 2026 is a time to hone in on the scents that feel most meaningful to you and you alone.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Other scents were Coffee & Donuts, Chips & Salsa and Popcorn & Slushie.
    Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • What that means for the rest of us is new hotspots to visit, new drinks to sip and new flavors to explore.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The flavors, priced at $12 per pint, are being released a few weeks apart to line up with the show’s schedule.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Government regulations limit the amount of chemicals allowed in some kinds of consumer products, such as adhesives and construction materials, because of their contribution to smog, but personal care products that contain fragrances remain largely unregulated.
    Katelyn Richard, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Netflix’s latest round of products tied to Season 4 includes collections with Dove, Pandora jewelry, fragrances from COTY, NYX makeup and Liberty fabrics with more teatime supplies available at Walmart.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Some may also contain natural flavorings such as lemons and cucumber.
    Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 26 Dec. 2025
  • Avoid products that contain saturated fats, high amounts of sodium, sugars, and artificial flavorings.
    Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 22 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • What Smells Mice Dislike Cinnamon While the smell of cinnamon is reminiscent of autumn aromas and homemade breakfasts, mice don’t feel the same way.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Thiols are responsible for the distinctive aromas of skunk spray and ripe durian; they’re also added to natural gas to provide a detectable rotten-egg smell at even trace levels.
    Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In 2025, they were often used to create realistic interpretations of milk, marshmallows, and even champagne in perfumes.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Store liquids—such as lotion, makeup, perfumes, and skincare—on a tray to protect your vanity table or bathroom cabinet.
    Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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