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

High-fructose corn syrup, a much-criticized sweetener, is disappearing from places you wouldn’t have even thought to look for it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Because it is low in calories and poorly absorbed by the body, tagatose functions well as a "bulk sweetener."

From Science Daily • Jan. 13, 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

Those parts are put back together in new ways to make the sweetener in your soft drink or the starch in your hamburger roll.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Related Words

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