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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for appetizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizing
Adjective
  • The Bitter Mai is also, improbably, absolutely delicious.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Stanway plays in Kelly on the left wing, who delivers a delicious ball for Russo to head home.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • All species produce edible fruits and gorgeous red to red-orange fall foliage.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The edible lipstick is a replica of Doja Cat’s signature MAC shade, Lady Danger.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appetizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizing. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on appetizing

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