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
Some pimento cheeses are a little more savory, some a little more sweet or spicy. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 May 2025 Popular Infused Rubs Ideas: Coffee & Cocoa Rub: Mix ground coffee, cocoa powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chili powder for a deep, savory rub that pairs perfectly with beef. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
Noun
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 Enjoy an assortment of sweets, scones, savories, and petit fours alongside seasonal Churchill’s Tea selections and live holiday music. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 24 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for savory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory
Adjective
  • On the nose, this bourbon is aromatic and approachable, with aromas of caramel corn, vanilla wafer, light oak, and a subtle hint of cooked, honeyed grain.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • Gently muddle until the mint is aromatic, then add 2 ounces white rum and ice.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The competition ended with a delicious buffet lunch attended by 500 people.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
  • Unlike indulging for a week on regular vacations, the cruise's generous food options – though often delicious – can be a bit overwhelming for some passengers after a few months.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • This one-pan wonder bakes chicken, rice, and creamy soup into a satisfying dish with zero fuss and major flavor.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2025
  • Pascal is in nearly every scene in Episode 6, which flashes back to several of Ellie’s recent birthdays and gives viewers a satisfying dose of the relationship that was so central to Season 1.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • For decor, Pollock says to let bold colors and spicy details bring the flavor.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
  • Rivera, who was known as spicy cheerleader Santana, accidentally drowned in July 2020, after going missing while boating with Josey, her 4-year-old son.
    EW.com, EW.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Planting rabbit-resistant flowers and herbs with strong scents or textures can help make your garden less appealing to hungry bunnies.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
  • Strongly scented herbs planted strategically around lawns and gardens can make your property less appealing to ants.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • The flowers of some violet species can be fragrant, and have been used as a perfume substitute at the turn of the 20th century.
    Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The needle-like foliage is fragrant and the distinctive flavor is used to season vegetables and meat.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • At the same time, designers are encouraged to let their creativity flow—to re-imagine the rooms in ways that are both pleasing and potentially inspirational.
    Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2025
  • But for those who obsess about kerning, the space between letters, the view from above the tomb is not exactly an aesthetically pleasing one.
    Adeel Hassan, New York Times, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Guests enjoyed small bites of briny mussels filled with Bluefin tuna, piquant gochujang sardine toasts, and an elegant Korean beef tartare.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • The brand contacts bartender Simon Difford for help with an original launch cocktail, and Difford immediately recognizes the capacity of St-Germain to complement the piquant fruit, floral, and mineral qualities in white wine.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Savory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savory. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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