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 Not exactly the most appetizing way to kickstart your morning routine—enter the wheatgrass shot. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2025 While April 1 is known for being a national day of jokes and pranks, April 3 is known for something a little more appetizing – burritos. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025 Film Factory hosts market screenings for a pair of commercially appetizing features from Nostromo Pictures. Jamie Lang, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025 Here are a few more ideas for creating the most appetizing dinner party. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for appetizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizing
Adjective
  • Grilling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy proteins and veggies, but there’s ways to make that grilling experience bigger and bolder, and add a lot of flavor.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sometimes there is busted packaging, or almost expired, or expired but still edible, products.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The Duchess of Sussex sprinkled edible flowers on a range of dishes and froze them into ice cubes to use in cocktails during episodes of With Love, Meghan, released in March.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appetizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizing. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on appetizing

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