sweetener
Americannoun
-
something that sweetens, as sugar or a low-calorie synthetic product used instead of sugar.
-
an added inducement.
such sweeteners as tax breaks and low-cost loans.
noun
-
a sweetening agent, esp one that does not contain sugar
-
informal a bribe
-
informal a financial inducement
Etymology
Origin of sweetener
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Adobe shareholders received a sweetener late Tuesday as the company’s board of directors authorized a $25 billion stock buyback program.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 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
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
I recommend enjoying it with a splash or two of your favorite creamer or sweetener.
From Salon • Nov. 6, 2025
Mom pours milk into her mug, then opens a packet of sweetener and sprinkles it in.
From "Piecing Me Together" by Renée Watson
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.