sweeten

[ sweet-n ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make sweet, as by adding sugar.
2. to make mild or kind; soften.
3. to lessen the acridity or pungency of (a food) by prolonged cooking.
4. to reduce the saltiness of (a food or dish) by diluting with water, milk, or other liquid.
5. to make (the breath, room air, etc.) sweet or fresh, as with a mouthwash, spray, etc.
6. (in musical recording) to add musical instruments to (an arrangement), especially strings for a lusher sound.
7. Chemistry.
   1. to make (the stomach, soil, etc.) less acidic, as by means of certain preparations, chemicals, etc.
   2. to remove sulfur and its compounds from (oil or gas).
8. Informal.
   1. to enhance the value of (loan collateral) by including additional or especially valuable securities.
   2. to add to the value or attractiveness of (any proposition, holding, etc.).
9. to add more liquor to (an alcoholic drink).
10. Poker. to add stakes to (a pot) before opening.

verb (used without object)

1. to become sweet or sweeter.

sweeten

/ ˈswiːtən /

verb

1. also intr to make or become sweet or sweeter
2. to mollify or soften (a person)
3. to make more agreeable
4. also intr chem to free or be freed from unpleasant odours, acidic or corrosive substances, or the like
5. finance to raise the value of (loan collateral) by adding more securities
6. informal.
   poker to enlarge (the pot) by adding chips

Other Words From

• non·sweetened adjective
• outsweeten verb (used with object)
• over·sweeten verb (used with object)
• pre·sweeten verb (used with object)
• re·sweeten verb
• un·sweetened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweeten¹

First recorded in 1545–55; sweet + -en ¹

Example Sentences

From classic Southern pecan pie to creative pumpkin blondies, Salon's food writers have shared their most beloved recipes to sweeten your holiday season.

From Salon

The demand is high because of government mandates in California, sweetened with generous state and federal grants worth billions.

From Los Angeles Times

This has been partly financed by the Danish, who stepped in with a sweetened loan package after interest from Chinese investors.

From BBC

Sellers can still pay the buyer’s agent fee in order to sweeten the deal.

From Salon

To serve, cut into small squares with a scoop of ice cream or sweetened whipped cream.

From Salon

Related Words

• mull