spice
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for spice, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A dried plant substance, such as pepper or cinnamon, used to flavor food.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use spice
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French espice, going back to Latin speciēs, originally meaning "kind" or "sort" — the same root that gives us "species."
Full origin of spice →Frequently asked questions
What does “spice” mean?
The word “spice” means a dried plant substance, such as pepper or cinnamon, used to flavor food. In plain terms, a flavoring for food, or by extension, anything that adds interest or excitement.
How do you pronounce “spice”?
“Spice” is pronounced spys (/spaɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “spice” in a sentence?
Here is “spice” used in a sentence: “The curry was rich with spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander.”
What part of speech is “spice”?
Depending on how it is used, “spice” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “spice” come from?
The word “spice” comes from Latin. From Old French espice, going back to Latin speciēs, originally meaning "kind" or "sort" — the same root that gives us "species.".
Is “spice” a common word?
“Spice” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “spice” have?
“Spice” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dried plant substance, such as pepper or cinnamon, used to flavor food.
What is the difference between a spice and a herb?
Spices come from the dried seeds, bark, roots, or fruit of a plant, such as pepper, cinnamon, or nutmeg. Herbs come from the leafy green parts of a plant, such as basil or parsley, so the difference lies in which part of the plant is used.
What is the difference between a spice and a seasoning?
A spice is a specific aromatic substance made from dried plant material. Seasoning is a broader term for anything added to food to improve its flavour, including salt, herbs, and spice blends, so all spices are seasonings but not all seasonings are spices.
Is spice a countable or uncountable noun?
Spice can be both. It is countable when referring to individual types, as in 'several spices,' and uncountable when referring to flavour in general, as in 'this dish needs more spice.'