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
Active Time: 50 mins Total Time: 50 mins Servings: 4 A plate of cowboy meatballs delivers smoky, savory beef-and-bacon meatballs that have been simmered in a sweet, tangy, and spicy chipotle sauce. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025 These are one of Puglia’s iconic recipes and street foods: savory fresh pork meatballs stuffed with cheese and pepper. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 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
  • This resinous fragrance blends French lavender with the aromatic warmth of earthy myrrh.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Choose from African, Mexican, or French forms to enjoy bright, warm red, oranges, or yellows with aromatic foliage.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Grilling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy proteins and veggies, but there’s ways to make that grilling experience bigger and bolder, and add a lot of flavor.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But in this dramatic moment, when her resources seem diminished and his victory seems secure, there’s something satisfying about the Biblical or Greek turn of events happening more swiftly, suddenly, and decisively than any court ever can.
    Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 24 Apr. 2025
  • After being tuckered out from a laying on the beach, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a low effort, easy to get to dinner at your hotel.
    Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The admirable Kentucky Freedom Run Farm provides the fine, flavorful lamb for a slow braising and sided with a spicy tomato jam risotto, coriander, mint-and-pistachio gremolata and the reduction of the meat’s juices.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • His agenda for a perfect day in L.A. includes a boat party, an ice bath and the most glorious spicy shrimp in town.
    Michelle Woo, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Its cuisine is fragrant, bold, and poetic, a feast of simmered stews and grilled meats, gently spiced, overlaid with bright and sour harmonics from fresh herbs and tart, fruity vinegars.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Fresh if in season, or frozen lady peas, plus a few herbs and simple mustardy vinaigrette make this salad a cinch.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Its cuisine is fragrant, bold, and poetic, a feast of simmered stews and grilled meats, gently spiced, overlaid with bright and sour harmonics from fresh herbs and tart, fruity vinegars.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The showy, fragrant blooms provide an important early source of nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The costume has to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, especially with Marvel.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Materials Exterior: Car pillows are most often covered in a soft, plush material that’s pleasing to the touch.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But none of these things feels piquant in this production.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Savory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savory. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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