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

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 lo-fi lamination technique can be applied to other doughs like pie crust, puff pastry, and even savory breads like roti. Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Feb. 2026 Instead of the requisite Caesar salad, Kolender offers chicories dressed in an anchovy and black garlic vinaigrette that oscillates between sweet and deeply savory. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
Dinner was always a Cantonese banquet, a bowl of rice with several savory dishes in the middle of the table. Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2026 The new breakfast and lunch restaurant from Fonda San Miguel owner Tom Gilliland is as beautiful and serene as a four-star Mexican hotel and the empanada — firm but flaky, stuffed with quince jam and edged by baked manchego cheese — was sweet, savory and gooey with a nice touch of umami. Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for savory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory
Adjective
  • All of these steps degrade or destroy the aromatic compounds that made the flower compelling in the first place.
    Sara Payan, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd, this sheet pan dinner is bright, flavorful, and aromatic.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This savory cousin of our Cinnamon-Sugar Pull-Apart Bread is a delicious alternative to classic dinner rolls.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Chef Subedi worked around a need for gluten-free food by supplying delicious buckwheat crepes for breakfast instead of bread.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Upsimples Set of 3 5x7-Inch Photo Frames This sweet home decor deal, featuring three 5x7-inch photo frames, comes out to $3 apiece.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Some unique ideas for the shower hosts include a simple candle with a sweet note, a single flower in a keepsake bud vase just for the host, or a charming cocktail napkin set.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Since then, she’s cultivated family-favorite cucumbers, delicate butter lettuce, spicy arugula and herbs of all kinds in the metal-and-glass structure with a shed roof.
    Mary Grace Granados, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Dishes like Indian street corn, pumpkin chana masala, and spicy seafood soup drive home the restaurant’s emphasis on spices and herbs, and an open-air setting allows diners to bask in the sounds and smells of the surrounding rainforest.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Pomelo segments are just one component in this refreshing crunchy vegetable salad that is bursting with the flavor and texture contrasts of peanuts, coconut and loads of fresh herbs.
    Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Bright green asparagus ribbons enliven a crunchy crostini base with the help of fresh herbs and a smear of cheesy ricotta mixture.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • You'll be forgiven for not realizing that oleander, specifically Nerium oleander, is toxic, because the woody little shrub is a common sight in suburban landscapes due to its abundant, fragrant white, pink, red, or purple flowers.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Rubens, for example, likes to plant fragrant flowers like marigolds, which also act as a pest repellant.
    Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Stamper has broadened my mind with a book full of fascinating tidbits and anecdotes, and a delightful quantity of humor.
    The Know, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
  • More interesting are the character pieces, like Veronika Slowikowska’s delightful maid of honor explaining current events.
    Rima Parikh, Vulture, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Red cabbage, carrots and Tuscan kale form the base, bound together with a piquant balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The comments section features a piquant blend of solemnity, mortification, tastelessness, and transphobia, which accords with Moreschi’s reception in his lifetime.
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Savory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savory. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

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