savory 1 of 2

variants also savoury
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as in satisfying
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses having to fire someone was not a task that the manager found at all savory

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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savory

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word savory different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of savory are appetizing, palatable, tasty, and toothsome. While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness.

dumplings with savory fillings

When can appetizing be used instead of savory?

While in some cases nearly identical to savory, appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste.

appetizing hors d'oeuvres

When could palatable be used to replace savory?

While the synonyms palatable and savory are close in meaning, palatable often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable.

butterflies that birds find palatable

In what contexts can tasty take the place of savory?

The words tasty and savory 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 savory?

The meanings of toothsome and savory largely overlap; however, 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 savory
Adjective
Beyond the savory, bay leaves are occasionally used in desserts, especially dairy-heavy plates like custards, panna cottas, and ice creams, to brighten rich sweets with fresh herbal flavor. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024 The first course is a traditional croissant, just a few minutes out of the oven, then on to a savory, with menus rotating seasonally. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
There are also calzones, smoked beef and lamb meatballs and a sweet and savory farro salad tossed with chewy dates. Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025 This classic sandwich hits all the high notes of savory, salty, and bacon-y. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for savory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory
Adjective
  • There is anecdotal evidence that some pests are repelled by shredded cedar bark because of the aromatic oils in cedar.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Perfumer Céline Barel, for example, created a new, more aromatic version of the amber accord for the Aesop Above Us, Steorra fragrance.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In the video, a school bus gets stuck in a pothole and JJ and his friends transform into superheroes after eating some delicious fruity muffins.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 8 Aug. 2025
  • For oceanfront views and delicious seafood, Waterman’s Surfside Grille on the south end of the Boardwalk is a go-to, famous for its breezy patio and signature Orange Crush.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Of those teens, 31% report finding those conversations equally or more satisfying than talking with a peer.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Its blend of three cheeses—cottage cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella—is satisfying but mild in flavor, which makes this casserole appealing even to picky eaters.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This casserole has all the flavors of your favorite Buffalo wings—spicy chicken, lots of cheese, carrots, and celery.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Inside this keepsake case is an Earthy and complex blend of warm cedarwood, deep myrrh resin, and spicy clove.
    Dan Michel, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Stirred with a little garlic, butter and fishy bonito flakes, everything but the skin of the squash is served with the cavatelli and topped with anchovies, lemon zest and drizzled herb oil that add acidity and fragrance to the savory sauce.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Here are a few of our favorite ways to incorporate watermelon rind into new dishes: Quick pickles: Slice and soak in a vinegar brine with spices and herbs for a tangy snack or sandwich topper.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This lavender version relieves muscle tension, soothes aches and softens skin while relaxing your mind in fragrant floral steam.
    Jené Luciani Sena , Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Travelers can get lost in its many museums and bustling souks, or bazaars, and try local specialties like fragrant kabsa or sweet, crunchy knafeh.
    Mo Noubani, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Since judging the beauty of art is subjective, identifying the most aesthetically pleasing sculptures is difficult, Chidester said, but there are pieces in the collection that have drawn praise from the community.
    Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2025
  • None of this is pleasing to a country that has fought bitter wars with Pakistan, and whose officials have over the past two decades assiduously invested to elevate Indo-U.S. relations to a higher plane.
    Salil Tripathi, Time, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Within an hour of arriving, a familiar, piquant aroma wafted from the kitchen.
    Cleyvis Natera, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 July 2025
  • Or hamachi crudo in a piquant blend of fish sauce, lime juice, and peach.
    Lia Picard, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Savory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savory. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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