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.
Related Words
Relevance
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 appetizer
Look for elevated cocktails and a small menu of appetizers, sandwiches, and small plates.
—
Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 21 Jan. 2026
Go for two with this crowd-pleasing appetizer that would be perfect for Super Bowl Sunday.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
Readers said the spicy edamame hummus was their favorite appetizer in all of Kansas City and that the sushi was phenomenal.
—Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2026
Here, the masterful chef orchestrates a multi-course omakase meal of cold and warm appetizers, followed by sushi highlighting regional delicacies like surf clams.
—New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 21 Jan. 2026
Go for two with this crowd-pleasing appetizer that would be perfect for Super Bowl Sunday.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
Readers said the spicy edamame hummus was their favorite appetizer in all of Kansas City and that the sushi was phenomenal.
—Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2026
Here, the masterful chef orchestrates a multi-course omakase meal of cold and warm appetizers, followed by sushi highlighting regional delicacies like surf clams.
—New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizer
Noun
-
Whether commuting for work or running errands, Dana is a carryall with ample space for essentials (think phone, keys, wallet, and sunglasses), along with a 13-inch laptop, water bottle, makeup, portable charger, lightweight jacket, snacks, and a notebook.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The main compartment is spacious enough for essentials like chargers, money, my phone, and of course, snacks.—
Annita Katee,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The culinary lens also helps Jordan maintain relevance amid shifting consumer tastes.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Bundle up before heading out the door this morning, Florida is getting a rare taste of true winter.—
Doris Alvarez Cea,
Florida Times-Union,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The event will feature craft brews, gourmet bites, live auction and nostalgic carnival games to raise money to help community members in need get food.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Signs Of A Bed Bug Infestation Bed bugs feed on blood, so a skin reaction from bites is often the first sign of a potential infestation.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Turn your head to the side, unhinge your jaw, and prepare for a glorious mouthful.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
14 Dec. 2025
-
And so, with rumbling heart and saliva pasting tongue to teeth (fury's alchemy gave her a mouthful of metal), Noelle plunged a finger into the manila corner and ripped open the fabric of her world.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Easy snacks and nibbles that are comfortable, elegant and, yes, perfectly matched to a cocktail, martini or otherwise.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Dec. 2025
-
Pests, particularly moths and silverfish, lay eggs and nibble on the natural fibers of cashmere.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
29 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizer. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
