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Definitions

sweetening

[sweet-n-ing, sweet-ning] / ˈswit n ɪŋ, ˈswit nɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
maturing
Synonyms
STRONG
advancing aging blossoming consummating developing evolving growing mellowing perfecting preparing sprouting
WEAK
growing up
Antonyms
WEAK
declining dying fading
NOUN
bribe
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blackmail compensation gift graft gratuity hush money incentive inducement kickback perk reward
STRONG
allurement bait contract enticement envelope feedbag goody gravy grease ice lagniappe lure payola perquisite present price protection remuneration sop sweetener take
WEAK
buyoff corrupt money corrupting gift fringe benefit influence peddling
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hindrance loss penalty
NOUN
enticement
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bait come-on inducement sweetener
STRONG
attraction blandishment cajolery coaxing decoy fascination lure mousetrap promise seduction snare temptation trap
WEAK
come-hither inveiglement
Antonyms
STRONG
repulsion
WEAK
disgust dissuasion

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.

Paramount, which had initially bid $108 billion for the entire company, continued to circle, launching a hostile tender offer aimed directly at shareholders and continually sweetening the terms of its bid.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

For PSUS’s do-over listing, Ackman is sweetening the deal by giving those who participate in the fund IPO free shares in Pershing Square.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

Netflix is offering to pay $27.75 per share in cash, sweetening its offer from the initial bid, which proposed a mix of cash and shares in the new company.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

“They’re sweetening the pot,” Paul Hardart, a professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, said of the Ellison family.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

Her handmaids filled the tub with tepid water that stank of sulfur, sweetening it with jars of bitter oil and handfuls of cmshed mint leaves.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin