Definition of toothsomenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word toothsome different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of toothsome are appetizing, palatable, savory, and tasty. While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," toothsome stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness.

an enticing array of toothsome desserts

Where would appetizing be a reasonable alternative to toothsome?

The words appetizing and toothsome can be used in similar contexts, but appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste.

appetizing hors d'oeuvres

When can palatable be used instead of toothsome?

While the synonyms palatable and toothsome are close in meaning, palatable often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable.

butterflies that birds find palatable

When is savory a more appropriate choice than toothsome?

While in some cases nearly identical to toothsome, savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness.

dumplings with savory fillings

When is it sensible to use tasty instead of toothsome?

In some situations, the words tasty and toothsome are roughly equivalent. However, tasty implies a pronounced taste.

a tart and tasty pie

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 toothsome Kristen Wile of Unpretentious Palate kindly offered me a bite of her toothsome barbacoa entree, wrapped in a collard leaf and served with mayocoba (a creamy, yellow-green canary bean) and a red and green salsa duo. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026 For pasta, try using whole wheat for its earthy, toothsome quality; any kind will do. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026 The coarsely ground beef is toothsome, the nutty toma more complex than standard Swiss cheese and the bread ideally buttered and toasted. Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 10 Mar. 2026 Top spots like Tamuraya and Menya Yosuke serve toothsome bowls with rich broths, handmade wontons, and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. Kim Kay, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025 His Sesame Sweet Potato and Cabbage Burger is soft yet toothsome from shredded sweet potatoes and cabbage, and spiced perfectly with a pinch of cayenne, which cuts through the hearty veggies. Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2023 All the prepared bites were quickly claimed, leaving bare a lush display of toothsome raw vegetables. Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2022 The star red of my tasting was the 2019 vintage of this lithe, toothsome Cinsault. Lettie Teague, WSJ, 19 Aug. 2022 This version was vegetarian (though it’s often punctuated with salted beef or pork), a hearty mix of potatoes, carrots, wilted spinach-esque callaloo and toothsome dumplings. Nevin Martell, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toothsome
Adjective
  • This is blended with fresh herbs and spices, for a result that is savory and delicious.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • Our food is delicious and healthy.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • For a town that’s been struggling financially for decades, the prospect of highly desirable market-rate housing along the river has led local officials to push hard to keep progress moving.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026
  • But that was mainly because a player of Carpenter’s ilk — aka one of the best in the world — would be highly desirable on the open market.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Across its 1,070-hectare spread—holding everything from edible gardens to cheese rooms and wine cellars—the options to spend your time are near-endless.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The stress test escalated quickly and Vendo refused requests for edible insects, firearms, even marijuana (legal in Arizona).
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Bryant and Larson both master the sexy-robot-baby intonation of a very particular strain of 2000s pop, making the displacement doubly funny.
    Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026
  • When a sexy new lawyer, played by Brett Goldstein, begins working for her, that policy becomes well-tested.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Hazelnut brioches, flaky pastries, blueberry financiers, and madeleines—crafted by the French pastry chef—are neatly stacked in a room adorned with hot pink and coral Bill Bensley artwork.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • The real risk starts when a pan gets too hot, too damaged or used in the wrong way.
    Ryan Brennan June 2, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Toothsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toothsome. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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