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Synonyms

spicy

American  
[spahy-see] / ˈspaɪ si /
Or spicey

adjective

spicier, spiciest

  1. seasoned with or containing spice.

    a spicy salad dressing.

  2. characteristic or suggestive of spice.

  3. of the nature of or resembling spice.

  4. abounding in or yielding spices.

  5. aromatic or fragrant.

  6. piquant or pungent.

    spicy criticism.
    Synonyms:
    peppery, sharp, hot

  7. of a slightly improper or risqué nature; somewhat sexy.

    a spicy novel.
    Synonyms:
    improper, ribald, racy, suggestive

  8. Informal. full of spirit; lively.

spicy British  
/ ˈspaɪsɪ /

adjective

  1. seasoned with or containing spice

  2. highly flavoured; pungent

  3. informal suggestive of scandal or sensation

  4. producing or yielding spices

"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

Other Word Forms

  • spicily adverb
  • spiciness noun
  • unspicily adverb
  • unspiciness noun
  • unspicy adjective

Etymology

Origin of spicy

First recorded in 1555–65; spice + -y 1

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.

It’s both woodsy and spicy at the same time.

From Literature

There’s also Turkish Çılbır, which is more of a main dish than a dip since it calls for poached eggs served over a layer of garlicky yogurt and topped with warm spicy butter.

From Salon

Or maybe, an egg that leans more spicy with a hint of tang?

From Salon

The legal action is part of the fallout since last year's controversial release of new Grok features that X called "spicy" mode.

From BBC

“So spicy!” the sailor said, covering his mouth.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.