appetizing

adjective

ap·​pe·​tiz·​ing ˈa-pə-ˌtī-ziŋ How to pronounce appetizing (audio)
: appealing to the appetite especially in appearance or aroma
also : appealing to one's taste
an appetizing display of merchandise
appetizingly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for appetizing

palatable, appetizing, savory, tasty, toothsome mean agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste.

palatable often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable.

butterflies that birds find palatable

appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste.

appetizing hors d'oeuvres

savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness.

dumplings with savory fillings

tasty implies a pronounced taste.

a tart and tasty pie

toothsome stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness.

an enticing array of toothsome desserts

Examples of appetizing in a Sentence

While the stew may not look very appetizing, it tastes wonderful. that dish looks very appetizing
Recent Examples on the Web While their guests applaud their newfound nutrition journey, hunger quickly pushes them to consider Robert's (Brad Garrett) dog, Starsky, as a more appetizing alternative. Shay Spence, Peoplemag, 22 Nov. 2023 But the dairy industry that produces cheese has had a negative impact on our climate that is not exactly appetizing. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Oct. 2023 The Week 3 high school football slate is an appetizing dish. The Indianapolis Star, 2 Sep. 2023 Some gourd/squash varieties are more appetizing than others. Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2023 Tender, succulent hills of roast beef, chicken drumstick trees, bacon rivers, and ham boulders create a surreal, yet appetizing scene. WIRED, 20 Sep. 2023 Better Homes & Gardens Dark Gray Square Shaped Stoneware Handled Tray Appetizers look even more appetizing when set on this sophisticated Better Homes & Gardens Dark Gray Square Shaped Stoneware Handled Tray with a dark mottled finish. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2023 The peppers bring complex sweetness, crunch, and beautifully appetizing color to the mix, while celery adds a nice textural element. Karen Schroeder-Rankin, Southern Living, 20 June 2023 Once properly tempered, the chocolate will look even more appetizing. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appetizing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of appetizing was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near appetizing

Cite this Entry

“Appetizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appetizing. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

appetizing

adjective
ap·​pe·​tiz·​ing ˈap-ə-ˌtī-ziŋ How to pronounce appetizing (audio)
: appealing to the appetite
appetizingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on appetizing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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