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 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 The star red of my tasting was the 2019 vintage of this lithe, toothsome Cinsault. Lettie Teague, WSJ, 19 Aug. 2022 Reward yourself with a bowl of polpette (meatballs) smothered in parmesan sauce and passatelli, a toothsome local noodle speciality made from parmesan, breadcrumbs, and egg. Adam H. Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2021 See All Example Sentences for toothsome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toothsome
Adjective
  • There are many other delicious places to dine in San Luis Obispo.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • The majority of ingredients in the food and beverage program at Wildflower are sourced directly from the property’s on-site farm, so every creative item on the menu is extremely fresh and delicious.
    Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • When using chemical methods to kill the shrub, be sure to protect desirable plants from overspray.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
  • Instead of looking only for escapements or technical innovation, Newman encourages appreciation of cases, dials, proportions, engraving, and overall design—the same qualities that define today’s most desirable independent watches.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Decorate it with spare edible flowers and serve it alongside your bite-sized cakes for a more filling treat.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026
  • Aegina’s most famous export—and other edible souvenirs at Mourtzis Pistachio and Traditional Sweets by the fish market in the port.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening.
    Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Zuma at Hôtel Byblos is another spot for high-quality, contemporary Japanese food, with a sexy ambiance and amazing cocktail selection.
    Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • At Saint Laurent during Paris men’s, Connor Storrie rocked up in knee-high latex sock boots (on a scorching hot day, no less).
    Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 10 July 2026
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Toothsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toothsome. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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