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
• savoury
• savory
• luscious
• dainty
• lush
• mouthwatering
• flavorsome
• toothy
• toothsome
• ambrosial
• heavenly
• delightful
• delish
• pleasing
• pleasant
• eatable
• satisfying
• digestible
• gratifying
• exquisite
• agreeable
• rare
• delicate
• choice

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Founded by Joel Russ, the shop, is one of the last remaining Jewish appetizing stores, which are distinct from delis. —Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025

Don’t let the appetizing description fool you. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 28 Aug. 2025

Gas station food may not be appetizing to everyone, but gas station restaurants are another story. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025

While this might not be the most appetizing expression to say after a meal, that’s just what Southerners will say at the end of Thanksgiving dinner each year. —Brennan Long, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2025