savory 1 of 2

variants also savoury
Definition of savorynext
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as in sweet
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
These intimate wine bars pour exceptional regional varieties—primitivo, negroamaro, susumaniello, and more—to pair with savory small plates. Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025 The crunchy, savory sprinkle is a twist on a popular snack across Thailand and Laos called miang kham. Karla Walsh, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025
Noun
However, savory flavors (known as umami) were still easy for participants to pick up. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025 After the soft opening phase, Salvatore plans to roll out some sweet items to go along with the savory. Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for savory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory
Adjective
  • The final dish is deeply aromatic and rich but not overly spicy.
    Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2025
  • As for the drinks, a modest wine list and cocktails like the Old Coast Fashioned (bourbon, demerara syrup, aromatic bitters, orange peel) are on the menu.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some even suggested delicious baking uses for the new treats.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Includes gardening tips to grow perfect perennials and chiles for every palate, plus articles on delicious Ukrainian food dishes and Christmas family traditions, banana recipe contest winners and practical life advice.
    Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In October 2024, Wasdin celebrated Ashmore's 45th birthday with a sweet post on Instagram.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The Pats trusted their tight ends to handle Dolphins edge defenders on several occasions, and Henry did the job; not to mention his team-high five catches and sweet one-handed grab in the second quarter.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Eragon has a different approach altogether with its spicy amber profile.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Dishes include banana bread pudding or spinach frittata with goat's cheese for breakfast and pork shoulder with figs, or Orecchiette with spicy vodka sauce for lunch and dinner.
    Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Native plants, olive trees, and herb gardens complement the vineyard, creating a cohesive ecosystem that feels intentional rather than staged.
    Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Outdoor Entertaining Trends Micro-Resort Backyards Patios are becoming intimate, resort-inspired escapes with low lounge seating, lantern lighting, Mediterranean textiles, portable fire features, and herb planters guests can snip from during dinner.
    Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Also known as Eranthis hyemalis, this fragrant buttercup-like flower provides an early source of nectar for pollinators, a sign to all that spring is coming.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026
  • These trees have dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers, and are an attractive, nearly thornless way to beautify your home.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The result is luxuriously silky; a delightful foil to the crunchy graham cracker crust.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The sword and sorcery genre was always reliable for delightful low-budget cheese, with entries such as The Beastmaster, The Barbarians, and of course, the Deathstalker series.
    Bear McCreary, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Try the Mezzrole, a piquant blend of French limes, Pickett’s spicy-sweet ginger syrup, and tart rice vinegar that finishes with notes of sea salt.
    Chala June, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The spicy Korean burger is for the more adventurous among us, but the piquant pickled slaw on top is super addictive.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Savory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savory. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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