Definition of appetizingnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word appetizing different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of appetizing are palatable, savory, tasty, and toothsome. While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste.

appetizing hors d'oeuvres

When would palatable be a good substitute for appetizing?

The synonyms palatable and appetizing are sometimes interchangeable, but palatable often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable.

butterflies that birds find palatable

When is it sensible to use savory instead of appetizing?

The words savory and appetizing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness.

dumplings with savory fillings

When could tasty be used to replace appetizing?

The words tasty and appetizing can be used in similar contexts, but tasty implies a pronounced taste.

a tart and tasty pie

Where would toothsome be a reasonable alternative to appetizing?

While the synonyms toothsome and appetizing are close in meaning, toothsome stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness.

an enticing array of toothsome desserts

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 appetizing As a third-round pick, his projectable skills are appetizing. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026 In addition is a regime of far less appetizing supplements—daily Epsom salts, bitterdrops, and other shots—which aid in the detoxifying process. Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 With the former, the orange tint of the taco shells looks deeper and more appetizing. Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026 Moe Greengrass is an entrepreneurial young man of nineteen and the heir to what is arguably the finest appetizing establishment in the city. David Remnick, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for appetizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizing
Adjective
  • His wife welcomes me into their open-air kitchen for coffee and tamal de maicena — homemade milk tarts made with cornstarch, which are unbelievably fresh and delicious.
    Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Get a caffeine kick-start at Birdies Coffee + Bakery, then head to Commons Grounds for a delicious brunch.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In terms of texture and flavor, these bite-size pancakes range from fluffy to pasty, sweet to bland, terrific to just barely edible.
    Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Caviar, edible gold and a $100 price tag reinvent the humble hot dog.
    , FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appetizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizing. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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