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
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
Noun
Both have sweet and fruity aromas that are great for iced tea, but can play well in savory contexts too (like Minty Chicken Meatballs). Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 July 2025 Turmeric, sometimes called Indian saffron, is often used in savory curries and soups. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for savory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory
Adjective
  • The aromatic wine enlivens the mellow notes of the squash while the pyrazines (a green pepper taste) in certain Sauvignon Blancs are a match for the similar flavor of the bell peppers.
    Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Or try these aromatic and tender Gingery Pork-Stuffed Tomatoes, perfect for a crowd.
    The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Coulda fooled me that the whole thing was made without dairy — these are just as delicious as the butter-laden sort.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
  • Playing Francis Cobb was a great delicious blessing top to bottom.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • But learning the stories behind this music and hearing the songs performed exceptionally well by the 16-member Lamb’s ensemble and band was really satisfying.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
  • Black Bean Brownies Black bean brownies are fudgy, indulgent, and packed with protein, making for a rich and satisfying dessert.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • But after its three-year hiatus, the food chain is re-releasing the sandwich, now with three versions to choose from—original, spicy and grilled.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Ginger Beer: As ever, the spicier the ginger beer, the better.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Then get creative with additional juices, herbs or flavors to balance.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2025
  • This versatile Mediterranean herb also aids digestion and freshens breath.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Cook for 1 minute, or until the herbs are fragrant.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025
  • Forming a slowly spreading colony of 24-inch-tall, gracefully arching stems, plants produce lightly fragrant white spring flowers that hang like little white bells from the underside of each stem.
    Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • The underground world is imaginative and visually pleasing.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 16 July 2025
  • In high-use areas around the desk, bed, and couch, the power strip and extension cords can be permanent fixtures in the space, so why not make it as aesthetically pleasing as possible?
    Kelsey Borovinsky, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla chips.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2025
  • And to think, this pitiless conquistador came to North America as a humble kitchen herb, deliberately imported by European settlers for its piquant flavor.
    Zoë Lescaze, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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