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
It’ll be released next year on October 9, 2026, serving as an appetizer to Pavi’s adventure.
—
Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 25 July 2025
For dinner, snag an appetizer of manchego and serrano ham croquettes with piquillo pepper emulsion and truffle.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2025
That’s sort of the appetizer for Staley’s sandbag drill, which puts 35-pound sandbags in each running back’s hands for three reps of short-area footwork, each covering about a minute.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 31 July 2025
The meal began with a variety of appetizers including tuna, beef tartare, lobster and asparagus, and followed with lamb for the main course, Jin said, noting security watched from the bar throughout the dinner.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 25 July 2025
For dinner, snag an appetizer of manchego and serrano ham croquettes with piquillo pepper emulsion and truffle.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2025
That’s sort of the appetizer for Staley’s sandbag drill, which puts 35-pound sandbags in each running back’s hands for three reps of short-area footwork, each covering about a minute.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 31 July 2025
The meal began with a variety of appetizers including tuna, beef tartare, lobster and asparagus, and followed with lamb for the main course, Jin said, noting security watched from the bar throughout the dinner.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizer
Noun
-
Popcorn is a delicious, fiber-rich snack that’s both filling and satisfying.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
7 Aug. 2025
-
At home, Benjamin — whose parents call him Ben — would sit by the pantry where his family stored snacks and sob.—
Wendy Grossman Kantor,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Rather than appealing to the specific tastes of one client, home stagers must make a space as enticing to as many people as possible.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The Lynch family dug a well on their property and discovered the water had a funny taste.—
Amanda Ogle,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Choose cloth, leather, rubber or anything thick that will protect you from accidental bites, says Chuang.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
6 Aug. 2025
-
There's a full beer and cocktail menu along with snacks and bites.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Yes, there’s a demonic agent of chaos with six limbs and a mouthful of huge teeth.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
21 May 2025
-
Lovely soft and yet still hearty and crunchy mouthful of flavors that include raspberries, guavas and rosemary.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
What To Do In London During Summer 2025 Have A Picnic Picky bits and nibbles are the name of the game in London during the summer.—
Rachel Dube,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
-
With notes of tangy mustard, savory meats, and traditional spices, these are your new go-to for patio nibbles or midday crunch sessions.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizer. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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