spice 1 of 2

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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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

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
French oak is commonly used to mature Cognac and wine, but it is also used to finish American whiskey to bring particular aromas and notes of baking spice to the palate. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026 There were juicy skinless sausages that burst with flavor every bite, a goat soup burning with hot pepper and vinegar, rice dishes in so many forms — long grain and short, teeming with plump raisins or pigeon peas, tinted with spices or citrus. Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
Instead of opting for the obvious minimalist loafer, Theron spiced things up by slipping on some black leather slides, adding a summery touch to her look. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026 The croissant crust was buttery and flaky, the apples soft and spiced, and the caramel tied it all together. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spice
Noun
  • The one thing worth noting, however, is that the lotion has medicinal-like scent.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
  • But flowers also evoke our senses, especially when captured in scent.
    Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Instacart data shows sharp pre-game jumps in purchases of Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, salsa and queso, with chips close behind — proof that bold, shareable flavors continue to define Super Bowl Sunday spreads.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • This typically perfect baby sheet cake (the flavors change seasonally) is too spongy and dry in this iteration.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Serve immediately, topped with more lemon zest and dill, and a generous drizzle of oil.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Add the lemon zest and juice, olives, parsley, then fold in the pasta, adding more stock as needed.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Estée Lauder is suing Walmart in federal court alleging that the retailer sold counterfeit versions of the cosmetic company's fragrance and skin care products in its online store.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The selection features body washes and creams, hand soaps and sanitizers, fine fragrance mists, lip glosses, candles, and decorative accessories.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Avoid bouillon cubes or soup flavoring packs that may contain up to 1,000 mg of sodium.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Instead of bottled salad dressing, make a simple one at home with olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, a dab of mustard and other flavorings of choice, such as garlic, herbs, or honey.
    Michael I Goran, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The man whom Navarro likes to call the Boss seems to value insincere, or bought, obeisance—the flapping and fussing of a maître d’—more than heartfelt fandom, which lacks the piquancy of humiliation.
    Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
  • And a jicama salad is my personal favorite, balancing heat in piquancy and chill in temperature.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Alongside the artifacts that inspired this project, the team recreated the aromas of mummification in ancient Egypt.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The buns get their faint green color and grassy, coconut-leaning aroma from the addition of pandan.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This versatile dairy staple can bulk up a breakfast smoothie, anchor a marinade for lamb and other meats, form the base of classic dips like tzatziki, and transform ice pops into high-protein, healthy desserts—adding tang, tenderness, and creaminess along the way.
    Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The two whip up a lavish dip packed with cheese, greens and pickles, which add tang to cut through the indulgent creaminess.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spice. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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