APPETIZING Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'appetizing' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of appetizing are palatable , savory , tasty , and toothsome . While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste. // appetizing hors d'oeuvres

Q: When would 'palatable' be a good substitute for 'appetizing'?

The synonyms palatable and appetizing are sometimes interchangeable, but palatable often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable. // butterflies that birds find palatable

Q: When is it sensible to use 'savory' instead of 'appetizing'?

The words savory and appetizing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness. // dumplings with savory fillings

Q: When could 'tasty' be used to replace 'appetizing'?

The words tasty and appetizing 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 'appetizing'?

While the synonyms toothsome and appetizing are close in meaning, toothsome stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness. // an enticing array of toothsome desserts

appetizing

adjective

ˈa-pə-ˌtī-ziŋ

Definition of appetizing

as in delicious

very pleasing to the sense of taste that dish looks very appetizing

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

Some common synonyms of appetizing are palatable, savory, tasty, and toothsome. While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste.

appetizing hors d'oeuvres

When would palatable be a good substitute for appetizing?

The synonyms palatable and appetizing are sometimes interchangeable, but palatable often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable.

butterflies that birds find palatable

When is it sensible to use savory instead of appetizing?

The words savory and appetizing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness.

dumplings with savory fillings

When could tasty be used to replace appetizing?

The words tasty and appetizing 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 appetizing?

While the synonyms toothsome and appetizing are close in meaning, 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 appetizing If neither meal is found to be appetizing, the winner is simply determined by what the picky eater finds least repulsive. — Matt Minton, Variety, 15 July 2026 As a third-round pick, his projectable skills are appetizing. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026 In addition is a regime of far less appetizing supplements—daily Epsom salts, bitterdrops, and other shots—which aid in the detoxifying process. — Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 With the former, the orange tint of the taco shells looks deeper and more appetizing. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for appetizing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizing

Adjective

Known for its sumptuous cuisine and delicious desserts, Italy has tourists lining up for gelato all over the peninsula.

— Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Black Pepper Candied Bacon Fogo de Chão/MANNY RODRIGUEZ At Fogo de Chão, this delicious bacon dish is oven roasted with brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

— Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of delicious

Adjective

Allegations of insufficient medical care and lack of hygiene products, edible food and clean drinking water were among these concerns, according to Haney.

— Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Refined grain foods—like white rice, pasta, and bread—are made from grains that are stripped of their nutrient-rich edible layers, leaving only the starchy endosperm.

— Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of edible

Browse Nearby Words

appetizers

appetizing

appetizingly

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“Appetizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of appetizing

adjective

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