Synonyms of appetizing

appetizing

adjective

ˈa-pə-ˌtī-ziŋ 

as in delicious

very pleasing to the sense of taste

that dish looks very appetizing

Synonyms & Similar Words

• delicious
• edible
• tasteful
• tasty
• flavorful
• scrumptious
• delectable
• yummy
• palatable
• succulent
• savory
• luscious
• dainty
• lush
• mouthwatering
• flavorsome
• toothy
• toothsome
• heavenly
• delish
• delightful
• ambrosial
• pleasing
• pleasant
• eatable
• satisfying
• digestible
• gratifying
• exquisite
• agreeable
• rare
• delicate
• choice

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flat
• stale
• distasteful
• unpalatable
• tasteless
• boring
• unsavory
• insipid
• tedious
• unappetizing
• commonplace
• banal
• smelly
• flavorless
• noxious
• yucky
• unwholesome
• unpleasant
• miserable
• repulsive
• offensive
• awful
• disgusting
• disagreeable
• stinky
• wretched
• repugnant
• horrid
• sickening
• detestable
• noisome
• abominable
• repellent
• abhorrent
• foul
• nauseating

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

Recent Examples of appetizing

An avocado that’s brown due to bruising or a long time in the refrigerator may be less appetizing due to its mushy texture and funky flavor resulting from a significant amount of oxidation. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

Chicken McNuggets have rarely sounded more appetizing, more familiar and reassuring. —Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026

There are many places in this city that real estate developers have found more appetizing. —Xuan Juliana Wang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026

Sometimes, there is simply nothing more appetizing than your go-to takeout order from the local spot that already knows your favorites by heart. —Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2026