spiciness

noun

Definition of spicinessnext
as in piquancy

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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 spiciness 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 The eau de parfum has a warm spiciness that feels inviting, not cloying. — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiciness
  1. piquancy
  2. pungency
  3. zest
  4. spice
  5. hotness
  6. tang
  7. zing
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
  • This 100 percent Chardonnay has aromas of citrus blossoms, lemon zest, and graphite.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 17 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, stir together butter, parsley, lemon zest, garlic, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon in a large bowl.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Definition of zest
Noun
  • Sprinkle some Buffalo Ranch Popcorn over a bowl of corn chowder or broccoli-Cheddar soup for a touch of spice.
    — Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
  • It’s rimmed with a housemade spice salt made with ancho and guajillo chiles.
    — Anthony Todd, Chicago Tribune, 17 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
  • By late summer, humidity draws out Nag Champa incense, OG Kush, hot concrete, and the metallic tang of the elevated subway tracks.
    — Parizaad Khan Sethi, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 July 2026
  • Fresh goji berries are bittersweet with a slight tang, often described as a cross between a cranberry and a cherry.
    — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026
Definition of tang
Noun
  • This fresh five-ingredient summer pasta toss has a dose of lemony zing accented with sweet basil and hearty cannellini beans.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
  • The hint of jalapeño brings a gentle kick of heat, while the wasabi aioli adds a refreshing zing, creating a balanced and unforgettable flavor.
    — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Definition of zing

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Cite this Entry

“Spiciness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiciness. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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