sweet·ener/`switṇə; ˈswiːtnə/ n 1 [C,U] a substance used instead of sugar to make food or drinks taste sweeter 〔代替糖的〕甜味剂 2 [C] informal something that you give to someone to persuade them to do something 【非正式】 〔为说服某人做某事而给的〕甜头，笼络物: The tax cut is just a sweetener before the election. 减税只是选举前笼络人心之举。