Synonyms for "spicy"

13 kid-friendly synonyms for spicy, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "spicy" mean?

The word spicy is an adjective that means: tasting hot in your mouth.

Example: "The salsa is spicy."

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for spicy

Younger kids can use these in place of "spicy":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for spicy

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for spicy

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of spicy (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of spicy:

See the full spicy antonyms page →

FAQ — synonyms for spicy

What is a good synonym for spicy in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try hot. For older students, "fiery" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does spicy have?
We list 13 grade-appropriate synonyms for spicy across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is spicy a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, spicy is used as an adjective.

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