sweetener
n. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈswitənɝ// UK //swˈiːtənɐ// sweet·en·er
n. a substance that makes something more pleasant or enjoyable. In a casual way, it can also mean a small extra thing that makes a situation better.
n. a substance added to food or drink to enhance its flavor. In a figurative sense, it refers to an additional element that improves the quality or appeal of a situation.
The chef added a natural sweetener to the cake.
The manager offered a small bonus as a sweetener to encourage the employees to stay during the busy season.
While the base salary was modest, the company provided a generous relocation package as a sweetener to attract top talent from overseas.
From sweeten + -er (“agent suffix”).