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 Also, spurge leaves are flat, and kind of ugly, while purslane leaves are plump and appetizing. Khalil Alhajal, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Some items may make your stench less appetizing from a mosquito’s perspective, while others might enhance it. Caroline Tien, SELF, 14 Aug. 2025 Initially only available for corporate employees, the Foundry became so appetizing that franchise partners have also been encouraged to submit use cases for Dine’s team to vet. John Kell, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2025 In the case of Bill, that ultimately means enticing him back into society with the appetizing waft and convivial chatter of a barbecue party—a small coup for social connection amid the inertia of alienation. Adrienne Matei, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for appetizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizing
Adjective
  • The food is basically pescatarian, beautifully presented and incredibly delicious.
    Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This powder comes in a few delicious flavors—unflavored, strawberry lemon, vanilla, and chocolate—and is packed with vitamin C, which can support collagen synthesis to further boost effectiveness, according to Fazio.
    Brianna Peters, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While human trials are still needed, scientists in China found that rats fed a high-fat diet lost about 17% of their body weight when given the edible microbeads.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Berkley’s Bombshell Treat Bar will offer three varieties of ice cream bars, including Honolulu Blue raspberry dip with marshmallow cream drizzle, Lion's sprinkle mix and edible glitter.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Appetizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizing. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on appetizing

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