savory 1 of 2

variants also savoury
Definition of savorynext
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as in sweet
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses having to fire someone was not a task that the manager found at all savory

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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savory

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word savory different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of savory are appetizing, palatable, tasty, and toothsome. While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness.

dumplings with savory fillings

When can appetizing be used instead of savory?

While in some cases nearly identical to savory, appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste.

appetizing hors d'oeuvres

When could palatable be used to replace savory?

While the synonyms palatable and savory are close in meaning, palatable often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable.

butterflies that birds find palatable

In what contexts can tasty take the place of savory?

The words tasty and savory can be used in similar contexts, but tasty implies a pronounced taste.

a tart and tasty pie

Where would toothsome be a reasonable alternative to savory?

The meanings of toothsome and savory largely overlap; however, toothsome stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness.

an enticing array of toothsome desserts

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of savory
Adjective
Editors liked that this cottage cheese wasn't too liquidy, perfectly savory, and felt fresh without any strong aftertaste. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 13 June 2026 This marinade has lots of little additions like soy sauce that really brings a savory umami flavor, plus mustard and honey and cumin, which gives a little bit of an earthy taste. Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 13 June 2026
Noun
Sweet and savory recipes range from brownies and pies to pasta and garlic knots. Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026 Feast on shrimp or Wagyu beef grilled tableside, and a smorgasbord of sides, including veggies and savory kimchi pancakes. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for savory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory
Adjective
  • Grenache and Cinsault offer suppleness and aromatic lift when handled with restraint, while Mourvèdre provides structure without excessive sweetness when grown at altitude.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • This limited-time sparkling beverage is made with grapefruit, cranberry, and orange juices from concentrate, plus some aromatic bitter flavors and a touch of cane sugar to give it a mocktail feel that's better than soda and more interesting than simple fruit juice.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Cherry trees showcase beautiful blooms in the spring and produce delicious fruit in late spring and early summer.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026
  • The spinach and feta pastry was delicious, salty enough from the cheese filling and not too heavy.
    Eva Flowe June 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The result is one of the most diverse wine regions in the world—one where sparkling wines, crisp coastal whites, elegant reds and historic sweet wines can all coexist within the same broader region.
    Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • The sweet treats probably added to the general sense of optimism and excitement for the marketing, advertising, data and technology leaders who came to talk shop and compare notes at a time of massive transformation in virtually every business sector.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • This sweet and spicy guacamole contains chunks of golden mango mixed with a combination of jalapeño peppers and habanero pepper purée, plus onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, and, of course, Hass variety avocados.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026
  • Even the sweet-and-spicy combinations showing up on menus this summer usually start with a base of garlic or ginger.
    Ascend Agency, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Don't forget your odds and ends Adler encouraged me to never, ever throw away the stems of herbs.
    Emily Siner, NPR, 27 June 2026
  • This gorgeous summer pasta salad showcases peak-season tomatoes, fresh herbs, and field peas.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Below, see some popular ways to utilize this fragrant favorite.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026
  • This fragrant flower blooms through August while adding color and a spa-like scent to your yard.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps because of this aesthetic of illusions, the earnest state pride evident in some of the pavilions turns out to feel especially delightful.
    Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
  • Her nuanced portrayal gives the girl many layers, including a delightful determination.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • When prepared with skill, shrimp can be tender and sweet, perfect for dipping in tangy, piquant cocktail sauce.
    Kate Williams, AJC.com, 22 June 2026
  • The piquant dish is lacquered with strawberry-guajillo barbecue sauce, while a punchy coleslaw with Fresno chile vinaigrette rounds things out.
    Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Savory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savory. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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