Definition of gourmetnext
as in epicurean
a person with refined tastes in food and wine food critics have to be gourmets in order to write about food in an informed way

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun gourmet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gourmet are epicure, gastronome, and gourmand. While all these words mean "one who takes pleasure in eating and drinking," gourmet implies being a connoisseur in food and drink and the discriminating enjoyment of them.

When would epicure be a good substitute for gourmet?

Although the words epicure and gourmet have much in common, epicure implies fastidiousness and voluptuousness of taste.

When is it sensible to use gastronome instead of gourmet?

The words gastronome and gourmet can be used in similar contexts, but gastronome implies that one has studied extensively the history and rituals of haute cuisine.

When is gourmand a more appropriate choice than gourmet?

In some situations, the words gourmand and gourmet are roughly equivalent. However, gourmand implies a hearty appetite for good food and drink, not without discernment, but with less than a gourmet's.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gourmet
Noun
  • At the Gritti Epicurean cooking school, small groups are introduced to the marvels of Venetian culinary traditions in half-day to three-day courses.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Serious steak enthusiasts and oenophiles may want to book a room at the Epicurean Hotel, Bern’s sister property just across the street.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The epicure who dreamed up this last part was, allegedly, a priest.
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Ever since, keen epicures had been ardently awaiting his next move.
    Sarah Khan, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Anne Marie Panoringan, Culture OC food writer, notes that even for seasoned gastronomes, the value proposition feels off.
    Brock Keeling, Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Painters, sculptors, designers, and young gastronomes with a forward-thinking vision have put down roots.
    Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Hawke plays Hart as a sadsack bon vivant, the life of the party even as his heart was cracking—but then, a heart in the process of breaking may be the purest form of energy known to humankind.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Dec. 2025
  • The restaurant also serves a handful of low-ABV cocktails ($14-$17) like the bon vivant, made with shochu, dry vermouth, oleo saccharum, Pescadero sea salt and bay laurel oil; or the low tide, featuring an aloe aperitif, cucumber-parsley cordial and tonic.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The two work beautifully together and bring out the warmer, more gourmand side of the fragrance.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Currently, gourmands with celiac disease or with food allergies wanting to dine out are reliant on accurate menus listings or verbal warnings from staff to discern which dishes are safe.
    Shirl Leigh January 14, New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This recipe, which Melissa Clark adapted from the molecular gastronomist Hervé This, forgoes the cream, eggs and hand mixers required by many mousses, prioritizing chocolate and chocolate alone.
    New York Times, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2022
  • One of the first diets was introduced in the 1840s by a Presbyterian minister named Sylvester Graham, historic gastronomist Sarah Lohman told Live Science.
    Fiza Pirani, ajc, 10 July 2018
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Gourmet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gourmet. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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