SAVORY Synonyms: 292 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of savory are appetizing , palatable , tasty , and toothsome . While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness. // dumplings with savory fillings

Q: When can 'appetizing' be used instead of 'savory'?

While in some cases nearly identical to savory , appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste. // appetizing hors d'oeuvres

Q: When could 'palatable' be used to replace 'savory'?

While the synonyms palatable and savory are close in meaning, palatable often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable. // butterflies that birds find palatable

Q: In what contexts can 'tasty' take the place of 'savory'?

The words tasty and savory 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 'savory'?

The meanings of toothsome and savory largely overlap; however, toothsome stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness. // an enticing array of toothsome desserts

savory 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsā-və-rē

variants also savoury

Definition of savory

as in aromatic

having a pleasant smell cedar is one of the most savory of all woods

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delicious

very pleasing to the sense of taste a savory beef stew that really hit the spot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sweet

giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses having to fire someone was not a task that the manager found at all savory

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spicy

sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses a savory new book on a subject that seemingly had been done to death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

savory

2 of 2

noun

as in herb

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of savory are appetizing, palatable, tasty, and toothsome. While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness.

dumplings with savory fillings

When can appetizing be used instead of savory?

While in some cases nearly identical to savory, appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste.

appetizing hors d'oeuvres

When could palatable be used to replace savory?

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

butterflies that birds find palatable

In what contexts can tasty take the place of savory?

The words tasty and savory 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 savory?

The meanings of toothsome and savory largely overlap; however, 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 savory

Adjective

There are many savory options and sandwiches, too, for those who are in more of a lunch state of mind—plus the benches out front are some of the best places to perch and people watch the Dimes Square scene. — Kyle Beechey, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026 These mouthwatering short ribs are pan-seared until caramelized and then braised in a savory red wine sauce. — Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

Menorcans often add additional ingredients for flavor—basil or saffron for savory or honey and cheese for sweet—after the mayonnaise is made. — Lauren David, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026 One bottle might be bright with citrus and floral notes; another may lean into warming spice, bitter herbs or savory notes. — Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for savory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory

Adjective

In contrast, lower-temperature smoldering wildfires release a different mix of compounds, but it is still enriched with toxic aromatic oxygenates and ammonia, which can irritate the respiratory system.

— Michael A. Robinson, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
Citruses, like bergamot and orange rind, give vanilla a bright and airy lightness, whereas aromatic notes, like lavender and geranium, smell like a garden growing around vanilla orchid vines.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of aromatic

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

The rich chocolate and salty sweet bacon combo as well as the fluffy peanut butter mousse is what sets this dish apart from other s’mores.

— Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Kelce caught a pass from rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, then had a sweet cutback move that made Seattle cornerback Trevon Diggs miss.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of sweet

Adjective

Nightcap is a deliciously addictive gourmand, blending cozy vanilla and rich woods with sparkling ginger and cardamom for a spicy-sweet twist.

— Allure Editors, Allure, 31 Aug. 2026
The dish is spicy enough and not so thick with cream or flour and is a standout in the clam chowder world, according to Times reader Mary Ann Mollenkamp.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of spicy

Noun

Drinking Buddies is a liquid that claims to contain DHM along with an acetaldehyde-busting amino acid, herbs such as milk thistle, and B vitamins.

— Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
The Bath & Body Works Lavender and Jasmine fragrance, of course, features the floral herb, as well as rosewood and sage, giving it warm, woody, and peppery vibes with a hint of rose.

— Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of herb

Adjective

Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
In a large dry skillet toast guajillo and ancho chiles over medium, turning occasionally, until lightly toasted and fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes.

— Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of fragrant

Adjective

The delightful bonus is how the triangular craft sits nicely in a corner.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
In place of analysis, The Surrealist Menagerie provides a panoply of alternately delightful and disturbing creatures, generating unexpected pairings through its focus on the animal.

— Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of delightful

Adjective

Sipping on the watermelon, calamansi, ginger agua fresca was just the right pairing with my boldly piquant dinner.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Placebo, loukoumi, kouglof, toda raba, Sharapova, tempura, cacao, platypus, shrub, castagnette, potato salada, potage piquant pékinois.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Definition of piquant

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savors

savory

savvied

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

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Synonyms of savory

adjective

noun

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