as in snack
a small dish of food served before the main part of a meal
Shrimp with cocktail sauce were served as an appetizer.
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Recent Examples of appetizer
The $50 meal includes three appetizers, two entrees, and a dessert.
—
Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 9 Feb. 2026
The influencer, who has over half a million followers on TikTok, regularly shares recipes for game-day appetizers and dreamy desserts.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
She is seen approving invitations, trying on her dress, and, at one point, approving an appetizer that consists of caviar stuffed into a literal golden egg.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026
Make sure to still fulfill any commitments made prior, such as bringing appetizers, in any way possible.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 9 Feb. 2026
The influencer, who has over half a million followers on TikTok, regularly shares recipes for game-day appetizers and dreamy desserts.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
She is seen approving invitations, trying on her dress, and, at one point, approving an appetizer that consists of caviar stuffed into a literal golden egg.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026
Make sure to still fulfill any commitments made prior, such as bringing appetizers, in any way possible.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizer
Noun
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For this meal plan, cheese is featured in the omelet at breakfast, in the salad for lunch and paired with grapes for snack.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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That's about 10 million more wings than last year — cementing wings as the undisputed MVP of Super Bowl snacks, according to the group's annual Chicken Wing Report.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As one Texas insider explained to me, Cornyn is the national candidate who isn’t exactly loved at home, while Paxton draws adoration from partisans at home who may show up to send a message that what’s happening in Washington is not to their tastes.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
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Consumers have shifted their tastes and preferences for buying luxury brands amid the rise of digital shopping and fashion houses opening their own retail spots.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Stir together the remoulade as the crab cakes cook, so as little time as possible stands between you and your first bite.—
Karla Walsh,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
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Infected cats can carry the fungus in their claws or skin lesions, and scratches or bites can transmit the infection to humans.—
Leslie Baumann,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Turn your head to the side, unhinge your jaw, and prepare for a glorious mouthful.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
14 Dec. 2025
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And so, with rumbling heart and saliva pasting tongue to teeth (fury's alchemy gave her a mouthful of metal), Noelle plunged a finger into the manila corner and ripped open the fabric of her world.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
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And even the smallest nibble wallops with a potent vegetal bitterness.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Easy snacks and nibbles that are comfortable, elegant and, yes, perfectly matched to a cocktail, martini or otherwise.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizer. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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