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 next

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 Alcohol just doesn’t sound as appetizing or appealing. —

Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 June 2026 Mix in plants that are not appetizing into the landscape to deter feeding, Harris says. —

Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 24 May 2026 Later on, spots like Cedar Mountain Outpost and Cedar Mountain Canteen double as casual hangouts, with beer gardens, live music and appetizing menus. —

Evan Moore may 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 May 2026 Tafari’s tasty ending, his second goal in this year’s tournament, punctuated an appetizing second half, which saw Son also assist Timothy Tillman prior to Toluca’s equalizer off a classy finish by midfielder Jesús Angulo. —

Josh Gross, Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appetizing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizing

Adjective

Whip up a big batch of this delicious chicken salad to have ready to go all week.

— Patricia S York, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
That includes delicious deals across lots of furniture and home decor, including bedroom pieces, outdoor gems, and ceramics to uplift any area of your home.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2026

Definition of delicious

Adjective

Aegina’s most famous export—and other edible souvenirs at Mourtzis Pistachio and Traditional Sweets by the fish market in the port.

— Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Fresh herbs or edible flowers can easily be added to the top of a dessert after unpacking for a fresh finish that takes seconds.

— Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 30 June 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 5 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of appetizing

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