sweeten

[sweet-n]

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verb (used with object)

to make sweet, as by adding sugar.

to make mild or kind; soften.

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

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

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

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

Chemistry.

to make (the stomach, soil, etc.) less acidic, as by means of certain preparations, chemicals, etc.
to remove sulfur and its compounds from (oil or gas).

Informal.

to enhance the value of (loan collateral) by including additional or especially valuable securities.
to add to the value or attractiveness of (any proposition, holding, etc.).

to add more liquor to (an alcoholic drink).

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

verb (used without object)

to become sweet or sweeter.

Origin of sweeten

First recorded in 1545–55; sweet + -en¹

Related formsnon·sweet·ened, adjectiveout·sweet·en, verb (used with object)o·ver·sweet·en, verb (used with object)pre·sweet·en, verb (used with object)re·sweet·en, verbun·sweet·ened, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for unsweetened

sour, harsh, astringent, acid, tart, acerbic, acrid, acerb, absinthian, unsweetened, vinegary

Examples from the Web for unsweetened

Contemporary Examples of unsweetened

And its unsweetened varieties can be very hydrating (assuming you like its unique taste).
10 Ways to Stay Hydrated (That Aren’t Water)
DailyBurn
July 25, 2014

Historical Examples of unsweetened

It consisted only of a pie with unsweetened curds and some milk soup.
The House with the Mezzanine and Other Stories
Anton Tchekoff
At intervals, he drank great cupfuls of unsweetened, black coffee.
The Octopus
Frank Norris
If to be served with unsweetened cream, put cup of sugar in pudding.
The Laurel Health Cookery
Evora Bucknum Perkins
Undiluted, unsweetened, evaporated milk may be used in place of cream.
Better Meals for Less Money
Mary Green
It is best for him to cultivate a taste for unsweetened or even acid drinks.
The Healthy Life, Vol. V, Nos. 24-28
Various

British Dictionary definitions for unsweetened

unsweetened

adjective

not having any added sugar or other sweeteners

sweeten

verb (mainly tr)

(also intr) to make or become sweet or sweeter

to mollify or soften (a person)

to make more agreeable

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

finance, mainly US to raise the value of (loan collateral) by adding more securities

informal poker to enlarge (the pot) by adding chips

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for unsweetened

sweeten

1550s, from sweet (adj.) + verbal ending -en (1). The Middle English form of the verb was simply sweet, from Old English swetan. Related: Sweetened; sweetening.