spicy

adjective

Of a flavor, provoking a burning sensation due to the presence of capsaicin or a similar chemical.

Of a food, flavor, or odor, tangy, zesty, or pungent.

Of, pertaining to, or containing spice.

Of an expression or behavior, vigorous; colorful; stimulating.

(informal, idiomatic) Scandalous.

(Internet slang) Risky; mildly aggressive or dangerous.

(Internet slang) Risqué, sexy, racy; mildly pornographic.

Roots

specerespeci- · Latin · to look, behold

Synonyms for spicy

pepperyadj tangyadj zestyadj spicedadj racyadj piquantadj juicyadj hotadj savoryadj flavorfuladj pungentadj curried flavorsomeadj

Synonyms & related words for spicy

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of spicy — including peppery, tangy, zesty, spiced, racy, piquant. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to spicy

Explore words related to spicy — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include spiciness, chili, chiliburger, flavorous, sriracha, garlicky, spices, tanginess. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for spicy

Common synonyms for spicy include peppery, tangy, zesty, spiced, racy, piquant, juicy, hot — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does spicy come from?

The word spicy breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root speci-, from Latin specere (“to look, behold”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.