as in snacks
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 appetizers
There will be light appetizers, wine, beer and a display of 17-foot wooden boards.
—
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
This recipe combines two classic appetizers into one bite-sized savory treat.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Sushi lovers can choose from nigiri, rolls and a slew of raw bar appetizers, while the fish-averse and vegetarians can enjoy other meat-based or veggie entrées.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2026
Its design is ambiguous enough that a pasta bowl could also be a salad bowl or a vessel for appetizers.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026
Some could even be dinner appetizers or a full meal when paired with a hearty side.
—Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 3 Apr. 2026
Its menu is vast, with and includes appetizers, entrees, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 2 Apr. 2026
An affordable version of Bocca Italian in South Main serves Roman style pizzas and tasty appetizers with Latin and Mediterranean flares.
—Ella Gonzales
april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
The Submarine Factory will also offer catering, homemade soups of the day, kids meals, appetizers and dinner plates, according to the menu.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
This recipe combines two classic appetizers into one bite-sized savory treat.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Sushi lovers can choose from nigiri, rolls and a slew of raw bar appetizers, while the fish-averse and vegetarians can enjoy other meat-based or veggie entrées.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2026
Its design is ambiguous enough that a pasta bowl could also be a salad bowl or a vessel for appetizers.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026
Some could even be dinner appetizers or a full meal when paired with a hearty side.
—Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 3 Apr. 2026
Its menu is vast, with and includes appetizers, entrees, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 2 Apr. 2026
An affordable version of Bocca Italian in South Main serves Roman style pizzas and tasty appetizers with Latin and Mediterranean flares.
—Ella Gonzales
april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
The Submarine Factory will also offer catering, homemade soups of the day, kids meals, appetizers and dinner plates, according to the menu.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizers
Noun
-
Her family and others who'd booked the excursion got off the ship and onto a smaller boat with glass windows, abundant seating and snacks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
This classic three-piece conversation set includes two durable rocking chairs with supportive cushions and a small side table for drinks and snacks.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The 5,384-square-foot micro-market, ReCharge by Gelson’s sells produce and hot food items such as breakfast burritos and sandwiches, chicken wings and tenders, pizza, hot dogs, soups and other small bites.—
Samantha Gowen,
Oc Register,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Her skin is cold and clammy, pockmarked with insect bites.—
Isabel Debre,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This 30-minute recipe made in just one skillet tastes like it was worked on for hours.—
Phoebe Evans,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The reboot retains most elements of the original series, but the animation has changed to be more in line with modern tastes—similar to the bright, bubbly style of CoComelon.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Common to each space are Marshall Bluetooth speakers, complimentary water, coffee, and tea, elegant mini-bars stocked with local craft beers and nibbles, and plenty of natural light thanks to skylights or garden views.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 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
Noun
-
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
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But now, the future of Lucille’s American Cafe, a Weston comfort-food institution serving up mouthfuls of nostalgia since 1999, is unclear.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Appetizers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizers. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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