savory 1 of 2

variants also savoury
Definition of savorynext
1
2
3
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

4

savory

2 of 2

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

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
The perfect combination of breakfast and lunch, brunch been refined, refreshed and elevated over the years by chefs across the country who realize the value of of sweet pasties, savory carving stations and everything in between. Usa Today Network, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026 Customers can expect the bakery’s signature items, from savory quiches to pot pies and seasonal sweets. Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
Cheese rinds are a simple way to reduce waste and add rich, savory flavor to your cooking. Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026 Here’s why Southerners do savory snack plates like no one else. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for savory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory
Adjective
  • Sweet and very aromatic with lemongrass and warm spices.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Plus, their green, aromatic foliage adds an attractive touch even without flowers.
    Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Houston is a mecca for high-calorie delicious meals.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
  • But, the second, is that marigolds will make your carrots sweeter and more delicious thanks to increasing the carotenoid content and sugars within the carrots.
    Heather Bien, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos' daughter Elliott posed for a sweet shot with her dad before heading off to prom on June 2, 2021.
    Lindy Segal, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Use dark or bittersweet chocolate for a more intense, less sweet chocolaty finish.
    Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The company makes pickles in flavors such as hot, half-sour and sweet and spicy.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • It’s finished in a spicy-sweet sauce that would make a rubber tire taste good.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Harvest Regularly Harvesting herbs, veggies, and cut flowers regularly keeps plants productive and increases garden yields.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Many studies examine the health benefits of herb supplements, rather than fresh or dried herbs.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The fragrant white, pink, or purple flower clusters appear in spring.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
  • With fragrant blooms in spring, lush green leaves in summer, and vibrant red, orange, and gold foliage in fall, cherry trees create a beautiful refuge.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In this delightful piece of armchair naturalism, Henion’s goal is to change our vilification of darkness, to see it instead as a restorative balm, and to stoke curiosity about nocturnal landscapes and creatures.
    The Know, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
  • For a stay near the center of the action, book a room at the Lady Grace Inn, a Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast with a delightful English high tea.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Conductors often fetishize the opening bars of this opera, their squirmy alternation of silence and piquant dissonance.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Red cabbage, carrots and Tuscan kale form the base, bound together with a piquant balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Savory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savory. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on savory

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster