SAVOURY 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

There are more than 4,200 licensed daycares in Georgia, so surely there is a way to stack them up and compare — or at least weed out the less savory ones. — Samantha Hogan, AJC.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The pepperoni was savory and a little crisp around the edges, while the hot honey added a sweet kick that played nicely against the salty meat and melted cheese. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026

Noun

Red has become a fashion neutral on everything from crewnecks to sexy dresses; bubble-gum pink was the go-to color for button-ups, while chartreuse added a savory accent to knits and wovens. — Irene Kim, Vogue, 7 Nov. 2026 Seasoning sets are handcrafted in small batches, from sweet and savory to spicy and beyond. — ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for savory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory

Adjective

Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic nature and sorghum adds a hint of bitterness for a result that’s well-rounded.

— Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Nov. 2026
Think brussels sprouts with a cheesy, crispy skirt, cornbread studded with sausage and aromatic mix-ins, a frilly cabbage galette, and yes, turkey.

— The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of aromatic

Adjective

Overall, Huong Sen Tofu is a lively hole in the wall that seems to commit itself to serving delicious food and helping patrons bring those flavors home.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Even Jack’s new invention, the electric mixer, couldn’t whip up a more delicious start.

— Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of delicious

Noun

The property features tropical fruit trees, and greens and herbs grown on a rooftop garden.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
The dish incorporated every part of a chicken across four preparations, alongside an array of vegetables and herbs inspired by her time working at The Chef’s Garden.

— Sari Kamin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of herb

Adjective

Gardenia Loved for its deliciously fragrant flowers, the gardenia is a tropical evergreen shrub with glossy leaves that is a favorite in Southern gardens.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 8 Nov. 2026
The lush green landscape surrounding the property honors the local flora and fauna, including oak, pine, and eucalyptus trees, while providing shade and fragrant air.

— Kasia Dietz, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of fragrant

Adjective

Al Fresco Bar Cart Made of solid and veneered walnut with elegant brass details, the Cotu (from the makers of our favorite bar cabinets) is a delightful midcentury-style bar cart that has a distinctive asymmetrical incline on each shelf.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026
Her South American sensibility means breads are made with flours like quinoa, cassava, and sweet potato, which gives them a delightful chewiness.

— Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of delightful

Adjective

Sipping on the watermelon, calamansi, ginger agua fresca was just the right pairing with my boldly piquant dinner.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Placebo, loukoumi, kouglof, toda raba, Sharapova, tempura, cacao, platypus, shrub, castagnette, potato salada, potage piquant pékinois.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 July 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of savory

adjective

noun

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