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
  • Following its 2024 debut at The Stutz downtown, international food and art festival Epicurean will bring the flavors of more than 25 nations to the Fletcher Place neighborhood Oct. 5.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 2025
  • This fall Robb Report is gathering some of the greatest chefs in America to descend upon Nashville for the annual epicurean festival that is Culinary Masters.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Ever since, keen epicures had been ardently awaiting his next move.
    Sarah Khan, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Biggest Fear: Pain of their own insecurity, uncertainty. Type 7: The Enthusiast/Epicure The enthusiast/epicure looks to explore all the wonders of life and are always on the hunt for new experiences and adventures.
    Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024
Noun
  • Now in its 17th year, The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout offers discerning gastronomes the chance to savor exceptional fare in a spirited atmosphere.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Families, couples, college students, gastronomes ranging from Michelin stargazers to Chili’s Triple Dipper devotees, kids and a welcoming array of dogs (Chapman Crafted Beer is a canine-friendly space) gathered for the weekend celebration of burgers.
    Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Graham was a hedge-fund manager, Columbia University professor, mentor to Warren Buffett, author and bon vivant.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
  • The Marbella Club has been drawing Europe’s bon vivants for the past 70 years.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • This fragrance is slightly animalic and sophisticated—a gourmand with gravitas.
    Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The first thing that struck me as a gourmand loving girl, is that the quality of this never felt heavy or overly-sweet, (a rarity in this category).
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Sep. 2025
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 2 Oct. 2025.

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