# sweetener

/ˈswitənɝ/ (US) · /swˈiːtənɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sweetener
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.