sweetener

American  

[sweet-n-er] / ˈswit n ər /

noun

1. something that sweetens, as sugar or a low-calorie synthetic product used instead of sugar.

2. an added inducement.

   such sweeteners as tax breaks and low-cost loans.

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sweetener British  

/ ˈswiːtənə /

noun

1. a sweetening agent, esp one that does not contain sugar

2. informal a bribe

3. informal a financial inducement

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Etymology

Origin of sweetener

First recorded in 1640–50; sweeten + -er ¹

Example Sentences

I add a pinch of salt to the yogurt along with the zest and sweetener.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

It is best known today as a zero calorie natural sweetener, but research shows it also contains a wide range of bioactive compounds.

From Science Daily • Jan. 14, 2026

So after intensive talks over the Christmas period, a deal has been thrashed out, which seems to chiefly revolve around the sweetener of contract reform.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

“The U.S. administration has been more willing to take ownership stakes in other companies, and if the equity sweetener is generous enough, they may take the bait on this one as well,” writes D.A.

From Barron's • Nov. 7, 2025

Produced by boiling juice extracted from sugarcane, it has long been used in making rum, as a major ingredient in making explosives, and as a sweetener.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• blackmail
• compensation
• gift
• graft
• gratuity
• hush money
• incentive
• inducement
• kickback
• perk
• reward