spicy
7 synonyms and 4 antonyms for spicy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Containing spices, or producing a hot, burning sensation on the tongue (usually from chili).
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use spicy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from spice plus the adjective-forming suffix "-y," first recorded in the 1500s.
Full origin of spicy →Frequently asked questions
What does “spicy” mean?
The word “spicy” means containing spices, or producing a hot, burning sensation on the tongue (usually from chili). In plain terms, hot-tasting food, or, informally, anything scandalous or exciting.
How do you pronounce “spicy”?
“Spicy” is pronounced SPEYE-see (/ˈspaɪsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “spicy” in a sentence?
Here is “spicy” used in a sentence: “The Thai curry was so spicy it made his eyes water.”
What is another word for “spicy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “spicy” include pungent, tangy and zesty.
What is the opposite of “spicy”?
The opposite of “spicy” — its antonyms — are bland, mild, unspicy and spiceless.
What part of speech is “spicy”?
“Spicy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “spicy” come from?
The word “spicy” dates back to around 1500. Formed from spice plus the adjective-forming suffix "-y," first recorded in the 1500s.
Is “spicy” a common word?
“Spicy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between spicy and hot when describing food?
Spicy and hot are often used interchangeably for food that produces a burning sensation, usually from chili, though spicy can also describe food that is flavorful with a variety of seasonings, not just heat. Hot more narrowly points to the burning sensation itself.
What does it mean when gossip is described as spicy?
When talk or gossip is called spicy, it means it is lively, scandalous, or mildly racy rather than dull, describing information that is juicy or provocative rather than about actual heat or seasoning.
Is spicy always about chili peppers?
No, spicy can describe any food containing spices or producing a hot, burning sensation on the tongue, which often comes from chili but can also come from other pungent seasonings like ginger, pepper, or mustard.