SPICINESS Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

spiciness

noun

Definition of spiciness

as in piquancy

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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 spiciness This variant ups the complexity of stout with the spiciness of rye and a toasty oak sweetness. — Don Tse, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 The chipotle and lime aioli give the taco a bit of spiciness. — Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026 According to Valera, a great Ceviche balances the umami of Florida seafood, like grouper, mahi-mahi, or Florida yellowtail snapper; with citrus and a touch of spiciness. — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 May 2026 Culantro, whose spiciness is similar to that of cilantro but more intense, is more sensitive to direct sun than cilantro and will grow its best in partial shade. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 May 2026 Cooking or pickling peppers in vinegar may tone down their spiciness. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2026 Manz, a sales engineer from Germany visiting New York City at the time, alleged that the restaurant failed to warn customers about the spiciness of the salsas. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026 The mix of spices held a hint of spiciness, but still pretty flavorful and wasn’t overwhelming. — Alexa Stone january 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026 Its Timur pepper offers a spiciness for an unexpected twist. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiciness

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

Scallion Oil Noodles Scallion oil noodles, a specialty of Shanghai and the greater Jiangnan region in eastern China, showcase the allium sweetness and mellow pungency of one of the most versatile aromatics in Chinese cuisine.

— The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
The dressing, based on nuoc cham, a traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce, has just enough fish sauce to give it depth and pungency without overpowering the brightness of the lime.

— Emily Weinstein, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026

Definition of pungency

Noun

At Wingstop, the Sweet Heat Chamoy flavor features a bold dry rub drizzled with vibrant Tajín Chamoy sauce, delivering a mouthwatering balance of sweet, tangy fruit notes, distinct chili heat, and citrus zest.

— Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Inspired by the classic zest of a Moscow Mule with a juicy watermelon twist.

— Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026

Definition of zest

Noun

Soul Food & Culture elevates the sandwich with their secret spice blend that gives the catfish a savory flavor.

— Justin Brown, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
An enormous double mutton chop, rubbed with a sweet and aromatic spice blend, and split lengthwise like a scientific specimen to display its rosy pink interior, is inspired by Chinese cumin lamb.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 26 July 2026

Definition of spice

Noun

Even when Carl is just standing up to make the next Movie Night selection, the girls can’t help but comment on his hotness.

— Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Jim must learn to accept a skinny femme like Lucien, while Lucien learns the valuable lesson that Instagram hotness is sometimes attached to a vain, rotten personality.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026

Definition of hotness

Noun

Wickles Pickles Dadeville, Alabama Since 1998, this brine (a 90-year-old family secret) has added zing to all kinds of vegetables, including okra.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 July 2026
Sliced strawberries give this iconic Southern dessert a refreshing zing and a shot of color.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 17 July 2026

Definition of zing

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“Spiciness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiciness. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of spiciness

noun

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