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 Dense, toothsome texture and clean turkey flavor make these thin, round slices a delicious pick. — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 Prawn and black truffle dumplings are a joy, the shimmering black casings colored with charcoal powder and stuffed with toothsome shrimp. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 The foot is the bulk of the abalone, the muscular, toothsome mass of tissue that harvesters coveted. — Literary Hub, 29 July 2026 The abalone is plump and toothsome, yet still tender and accompanied by asparagus kissed by the fire. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for toothsome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toothsome
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
Adjective
  • The neighborhood Karen remains Nairobi's most desirable suburb, a mix of posh residential properties, schools, embassies, country clubs, and golf courses.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Solid Wood Furniture There’s nothing like solid wood furniture, and it can always be refinished if the condition is less than desirable.
    — Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Walk alongside giant ornaments, snowflakes, and sleigh light displays dotting the pier, and get creative with free community craft workshops including edible snowmen, pinecone woodland creatures, paper bag puppets, and more.
    — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • While technically edible, the average carve-able jack-o-lantern pumpkin is woody, watery, and stringy in texture—not at all pleasant to eat.
    — Sydney Price, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The contemporary rooms are the most striking, all polished, minimalist, and moody with quartzite rock walls, floor-to-ceiling bay windows, paddling-pool sized sunken bathtubs, and sexy double sided fireplaces.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The floor of the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan is always a global battlefield of sexy new two-wheelers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Misty mornings walking the ancient tracks and climbing tors, afternoons yomping across moorland in conditions that demand retreating somewhere cozy for a hot bath and a roaring fire.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Producer-engineer Tom Dowd, who was hot from producing Rod Stewart, Clapton and the Allman Brothers at Criteria, ran the soundboard.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Toothsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toothsome. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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