TOOTHSOME Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

toothsome

adjective

ˈtüth-səm

Definition of toothsome

as in delicious

very pleasing to the sense of taste a toothsome chocolate dessert

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in desirable

sexually attractive the movie star and his supermodel girlfriend are considered the most toothsome couple in Hollywood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 abalone is plump and toothsome, yet still tender and accompanied by asparagus kissed by the fire. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 16 June 2026 Organized by color, the book is chockablock with toothsome images of fashion legends, first ladies, pop stars, and lavish projects by the world’s leading designers and architects. — Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026 Kristen Wile of Unpretentious Palate kindly offered me a bite of her toothsome barbacoa entree, wrapped in a collard leaf and served with mayocoba (a creamy, yellow-green canary bean) and a red and green salsa duo. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026 For pasta, try using whole wheat for its earthy, toothsome quality; any kind will do. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toothsome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for toothsome

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

As high-quality synthetic re-creations become cheap and accessible, cloning has become a more desirable option for studios struggling with runaway production costs.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Summary Personality traits often blur between desirable and undesirable, with positive qualities becoming negative in extreme.

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of desirable

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

Adjective

As seen above, even a hot pink top welcomes a playful edge to a classic plaid midi-skirt and chunky boots.

— India Roby, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2026
In May, officials in Kern County alone also reported a 42% loss in cherry production this year due to a hot stretch in March followed by April rain accounting for a total loss of more than $13 million for growers.

— Jonathan Destler, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hot

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

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Synonyms of toothsome

adjective

Synonym Chooser

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