sweeten

American  

[sweet-n] / ˈswit n /

verb (used with object)

1. to make sweet, as by adding sugar.

2. to make mild or kind; soften.

3. to lessen the acridity or pungency of (a food) by prolonged cooking.

4. to reduce the saltiness of (a food or dish) by diluting with water, milk, or other liquid.

5. to make (the breath, room air, etc.) sweet or fresh, as with a mouthwash, spray, etc.

6. (in musical recording) to add musical instruments to (an arrangement), especially strings for a lusher sound.

7. Chemistry.

   1. to make (the stomach, soil, etc.) less acidic, as by means of certain preparations, chemicals, etc.

   2. to remove sulfur and its compounds from (oil or gas).

8. Informal.

   1. to enhance the value of (loan collateral) by including additional or especially valuable securities.

   2. to add to the value or attractiveness of (any proposition, holding, etc.).

9. to add more liquor to (an alcoholic drink).

10. Poker. to add stakes to (a pot) before opening.

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verb (used without object)

1. to become sweet or sweeter.

sweeten British  

/ ˈswiːtən /

verb

1. (also intr) to make or become sweet or sweeter

2. to mollify or soften (a person)

3. to make more agreeable

4. (also intr) chem to free or be freed from unpleasant odours, acidic or corrosive substances, or the like

5. finance to raise the value of (loan collateral) by adding more securities

6. informal poker to enlarge (the pot) by adding chips

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Other Word Forms

• nonsweetened adjective
• outsweeten verb (used with object)
• oversweeten verb (used with object)
• presweeten verb (used with object)
• resweeten verb
• unsweetened adjective

Etymology

Origin of sweeten

First recorded in 1545–55; sweet + -en ¹

Example Sentences

These medications reduce cravings for salty snacks, chocolate and sweetened drinks.

From MarketWatch

The Swiss insurer and the U.K. cyber insurer agreed in principle on a sweetened 8.0 billion pound offer, having cleared hurdles on price after several rejected bids.

From The Wall Street Journal

Under the sweetened cash bid, Beazley shareholders would get 13.35 pounds for each of their shares, the companies said Wednesday in a joint statement.

From The Wall Street Journal

The volunteers' staging space, an events center in St. Paul, has been volunteered by a Somali businesswoman who made sweetened tea for the team.

From Barron's

A few things I’ve learned along the way: I like using slightly sweetened, roasted fruit, usually prepped in a big batch at the start of the week.

From Salon

Related Words

• mull