as in snack
a small dish of food served before the main part of a meal
Shrimp with cocktail sauce were served as an appetizer.
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Recent Examples of appetizer
Executive chef Franck Tasic is curating the five-course menu that encompasses a cocktail flight, salad, hot appetizer, main entree and dessert.
—
Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Tickets are $25 each, plus processing fees, and include appetizer and dessert tastings from 14 restaurants and eateries, free all-day parking at the 150 York Street Garage (Chapel-York Garage), shopping offers from local merchants, and a cotton tote bag, according to a statement.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026
McIlroy's choices included four different appetizers, a first course, a main course, dessert and four wine selections, and many of the selections were a nod to McIlroy's personal and golfing life.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Opt for a sampling platter of northern Thai appetizers such as sai oua sausage and nam prik chilli relish with local vegetables, and don't miss the coconutty khao soi curry soup.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Tickets are $25 each, plus processing fees, and include appetizer and dessert tastings from 14 restaurants and eateries, free all-day parking at the 150 York Street Garage (Chapel-York Garage), shopping offers from local merchants, and a cotton tote bag, according to a statement.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026
McIlroy's choices included four different appetizers, a first course, a main course, dessert and four wine selections, and many of the selections were a nod to McIlroy's personal and golfing life.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Opt for a sampling platter of northern Thai appetizers such as sai oua sausage and nam prik chilli relish with local vegetables, and don't miss the coconutty khao soi curry soup.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizer
Noun
-
But no need to sneak snacks in with you.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
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Kids eat meals, snacks and treats during the school day, so having a system to prevent accidental exposures to food allergens is important.—
Dr. Sonja O'Leary,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Angel’s Envy Series Cask Strength Bourbon's taste profile begins with cherry cordial and salted caramel that lead into a rich, layered palate of apple cider, red wine notes, and creamy ganache.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
31 Mar. 2026
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Think drink can also be served with nitro cold brew instead of espresso for a stronger coffee taste.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Worldwide, many antibiotics are starting to lose their bite.—
Jonathan Lambert,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2026
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The evening begins with a lively pre-event social hour featuring bites, cocktails and networking.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Still, some marine mammals can’t resist a mouthful of unsalted goodness.—
Sara Kiley Watson,
Popular Science,
18 Mar. 2026
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The possibility of a Chase and Taylor flirtation causing a rift with Miranda is briefly raised and just as swiftly quashed — through large mouthfuls of chips and salsa, Taylor assures Miranda at the sip-and-see that there is no there there.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The trend was kicked off — perhaps unknowingly — by McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski, whose lackluster nibble of the new Big Arch burger was widely teased by the internet last month.—
Seattle Times,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
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For more wonderful panoramas of the Douro river, nip over to Arco Das Verdades – a small, friendly wine bar with a decent selection of traditional Portuguese nibbles.—
Irenie Forshaw,
TheWeek,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizer. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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