sweetenersweet·ener /ˈswiːtnə-ər/ noun [countableC]1something used to make an offer, suggestion etc seem more attractiveThe latest response from the government is a reported £20 million sweetener for UK businesses.
As a sweetener, managers who retire by Dec. 30 will receive an extra 15% on their pension.
→ equity sweetener2a BRIBE (=illegal or unfair payment made to someone to persuade them to do something)It had a reputation as a country where every transaction required a sweetener.