spice 1 of 2

noun

ˈspīs How to pronounce spice (audio)
Definition of spicenext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in zest
the quality or state of being stimulating to the mind or senses a new hobby will add spice to your life

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Empires have risen and fallen in their pursuit of precious resources such as oil, gold, tea or spices. — Pei-Hsu Lin, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026 After his death in 1934, Schilling’s spice company merged with McCormick’s, a Baltimore firm, which remains a leading international food business. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
Ambery, woody, musky, spiced, and leather, fall scents mirror summer’s lightweight and sun-drenched with moody, cozy notes. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026 My favorite was the tender and flavorful North African spiced short ribs by chef Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen, in Oakland, California. — Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spice
  1. scent
  2. flavor
  3. zest
  4. fragrance
  5. flavoring
  6. piquancy
  7. aroma
  8. tang
Noun
  • Dreamed up by Jelk, this scent incorporates vanilla planifolia that’s cold-soaked in alcohol for 21 days.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The temple's dark roofs slope toward the misty Saitama hills, while the damp mountain air carries the scent of incense from this historic pilgrimage start.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • That’s a lot of virgin oak in the mix, which adds an intensity of flavor compared to used barrels, and each type of wood is meant to bring different notes to the palate.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The new Banana Bread Latte and Banana Bread Chai combine banana, cinnamon and brown sugar flavors.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of flavor
Noun
  • And all sorts of additional flavorings — like fresh herbs, citrus zest, spices or ginger — can take the dressing in completely different directions.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond her iconic roles, Keaton was known for her zest for fashion, especially looks that were menswear-inspired.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of zest
Noun
  • As the latest installment in Xerjoff’s series of distinct collaborations, the Italian perfume house has partnered with Automobili Lamborghini to create a trio of distinctive fragrances.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The shift toward more complex scents is evident in the way fragrance houses are reinterpreting gourmand notes.
    — Danielle James, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of fragrance
Noun
  • Salt and other flavorings also play their part, but acidity and fat are your foundation.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • As for these spices’ association with the mighty pumpkin, several cookbooks from the 17th and 18th centuries feature pumpkin pie recipes that call for such flavorings.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of flavoring
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
  • And as the vocabulary around aroma becomes more precise, the industry has an opening to compete on something more meaningful than a number on a label.
    — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There’s no denying the ubiquitous allure to Jo Malone London blends—with a handful of perfumes across six fragrance families, there’s certainly an aroma for everyone.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake layer, which helps to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and peach topping.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The result is spicy and luscious, the chili mix lending it an unmistakable tang of Thai red curry.
    — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of tang

Browse Nearby Words

sphinxlike
spice
spiced
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Cite this Entry

“Spice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spice. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spice

Nglish: Translation of spice for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spice

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