SAVORY Synonyms: 292 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

savory 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsā-və-rē

variants also savoury

Definition of savory

as in aromatic

having a pleasant smell cedar is one of the most savory of all woods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delicious

very pleasing to the sense of taste a savory beef stew that really hit the spot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in spicy

sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses a savory new book on a subject that seemingly had been done to death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

savory

2 of 2

noun

as in herb

Related Words

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

This no-bake peach chiffon pie is a timeless dessert, full of fresh, sweet, and subtly savory flavors. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026 Cafe Bolita is a deceptively simple operation, with only four days of weekly service and typically fewer than 10 savory dishes. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Noun

This light, summery soup is filled with fresh sweet corn and zucchini, and topped with savory bacon bits. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 2 Aug. 2026 Soy sauce keeps it savory, while plenty of hot sauce and cayenne pepper bring the heat. — Craig Ruff, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for savory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory

Adjective

Credit the influence of millennial and Gen Z luxury consumers for the aromatic acceleration.

— Howard Cohen July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
The grid menu guides imbibers to their next taste of its classic and aromatic wines, noting characteristics ranging from rich to funky and from herbal to fruity.

— USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Definition of aromatic

Adjective

Start your day with a delicious coffee and a pastry—two things that locals take very seriously—at one of its many hip cafés (Hart Bakery is one of the best).

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
These cookies are not only delicious, but have a rich history, too.

— Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of delicious

Adjective

That’s just about $7 under budget for a four-person, sweet treat excursion.

— Hali Smith August 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026
This alone is a strong choice—agricole rhum tastes like grass and olives and earth instead of the sweet soft tropicality of classic rum—and if this were all, the resulting cocktail would still be a bold departure from the classic.

— Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of sweet

Adjective

The biggest crowd puller is the famous black cod miso but locals have unofficially crowned the Wagyu beef and foie gras dumplings with spicy ponzu Warsaw’s favorite.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
With base notes of leather, vanilla, and milky musk, the woody, spicy scent also has hints of bergamot, nutmeg, black tea, and palo santo.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of spicy

Noun

The magic is the schug (a vibrant blend of spicy Italian long peppers, garlic and herbs) and tomato seeds that add an acidic kick.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
The biggest highlight was the refrigerator devoted entirely to green produce, including watermelons, lettuce, asparagus, herbs and more.

— Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Definition of herb

Adjective

For more than 36 years, the MX-5 Miata has stood as a delightful contradiction in the automotive world.

— Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
It’s also especially suited for children, with one bedroom featuring bunk beds, a delightful rock-climbing wall, a play loft, and a surplus of toys.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 July 2026

Definition of delightful

Adjective

Placebo, loukoumi, kouglof, toda raba, Sharapova, tempura, cacao, platypus, shrub, castagnette, potato salada, potage piquant pékinois.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
When prepared with skill, shrimp can be tender and sweet, perfect for dipping in tangy, piquant cocktail sauce.

— Kate Williams, AJC.com, 22 June 2026

Definition of piquant

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savors

savory

savvied

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“Savory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savory. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of savory

adjective

noun

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