Search Dictionary
Definition of sweeten

sweeten

/ˈswiːt.ən/
sweet · en
Adverb:sweetly
•
Adjective:sweet
•
Past Simple:sweetened
•
Past Participle:sweetened
•
Present Participle:sweetening
JUMP TO:

sweeten Lexical Profile

sweeten Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become sweet or sweeter in taste, typically by adding sugar, honey, or another sweetener.

Example

"She prefers to sweeten her morning tea with a spoonful of local honey rather than refined sugar."

2

To make an offer, financial deal, or unpleasant situation more attractive, agreeable, or palatable.

Example

"The company offered a generous signing bonus and extra vacation days to sweeten the contract."

3

To make air, water, or soil fresher, purer, or less acidic.

Example

"Farmers often add agricultural lime to sweeten acidic soil before planting spring crops."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sweeten
Antonyms
View all antonyms for sweeten

• Rhymes for sweeten

• Nearby Words

sweetbox
sweetbread
sweetcorn
sweeten
sweetener
sweetening
sweetgrass

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century from the Old English adjective 'swete' (sweet) combined with the verb-forming suffix '-en', replacing the earlier Old English verb 'swetan'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sweeten. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sweeten
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.