gourmand

noun

ˈgu̇r-ˌmänd How to pronounce gourmand (audio)
Definition of gourmandnext
1
as in gourmet
a person with refined tastes in food and wine a finicky gourmand who vacationed in Europe every year simply for the wine

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2
as in pig
one who eats greedily or too much the kind of gourmand who swallows food without even pausing to taste it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun gourmand contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gourmand are epicure, gastronome, and gourmet. While all these words mean "one who takes pleasure in eating and drinking," gourmand implies a hearty appetite for good food and drink, not without discernment, but with less than a gourmet's.

When would epicure be a good substitute for gourmand?

The synonyms epicure and gourmand are sometimes interchangeable, but epicure implies fastidiousness and voluptuousness of taste.

When can gastronome be used instead of gourmand?

Although the words gastronome and gourmand have much in common, gastronome implies that one has studied extensively the history and rituals of haute cuisine.

When could gourmet be used to replace gourmand?

The meanings of gourmet and gourmand largely overlap; however, gourmet implies being a connoisseur in food and drink and the discriminating enjoyment of them.

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 gourmand After nearly 80 years in business, to the despair of deli gourmands, the beloved pastrami palace closed at the end of 2016. — Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026 The out-of-the-way restaurant became an international destination spot, not just for gourmands but for intellectuals, artists, and celebrities including Burt Lancaster, Gerard Depardieu, and Robert De Niro. — Tony Sachs, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 The latest Miss Dior Eau de Parfum combines centifolia rose with vanilla, tonka bean and sandalwood, giving the fragrance a warmer, more gourmand scent. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026 Once dismissed as overly sweet, hyper-feminine, or adolescent, the best gourmand fragrances have since evolved. — Danielle James, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gourmand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gourmand
  1. epicure
  2. pig
  3. epicurean
  4. gastronome
Noun
  • And now, with a myriad of buzzy new restaurants helmed by some of France’s top chefs and curious creatives from around the world eager to experiment with the territory’s rich ingredients, Biarritz is becoming an epicure’s paradise in its own right.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The epicure who dreamed up this last part was, allegedly, a priest.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of epicure
Noun
  • The super-sized version of the popular pigs-in-a-blanket was created by Aramark Executive Sous Chef Sean Clark, the company announced Wednesday.
    — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 26 Aug. 2026
  • On a 2-acre property in Mississippi, 52-year-old Krystal Polk's family lived off the land for generations, raising chickens and pigs, growing onions and herbs and trading their peaches for pears.
    — Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of pig
Noun
  • During this time, Wareheim — who played the epicurean Arnold opposite his real-life foodie friend Aziz Ansari on Netflix’s Master of None — also became a best-selling cookbook author with the playful Foodheim.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Seline, a 14- to 17-course epicurean adventure told through seasonal and regional ingredients, innovative techniques and showy plating that makes use of bones, antlers and bowls within bowls, has been racking up accolades in 2026.
    — Carrie Bell, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of epicurean
Noun
  • With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike.
    — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • Founded in 2017 by three Italian food journalists and gastronomes, Luciano Pignataro, Albert Sapere and Barbara Guerra, 50 Top Pizza ranks pizzas around the world.
    — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 2 June 2026
Definition of gastronome

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Cite this Entry

“Gourmand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gourmand. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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