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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 This trending scent combines warm, gourmand, and fresh fragrance families into an intriguing sweet profile that’s just as addictive as your daily matcha ritual. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026 The two work beautifully together and bring out the warmer, more gourmand side of the fragrance. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 16 Jan. 2026 Currently, gourmands with celiac disease or with food allergies wanting to dine out are reliant on accurate menus listings or verbal warnings from staff to discern which dishes are safe. —Shirl Leigh january 14, New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2026 Warm and delectable, this alluring gourmand opens boldly with cognac before settling into cinnamon, tonka bean, praline, and vanilla. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gourmand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gourmand
  1. pig
  2. epicure
  3. epicurean
  4. gastronome
Noun
  • Where to Eat The region’s culinary tradition includes dishes made with Yucatán pork, which comes from a pig that is a mixture of Iberian and local breeds.
    — April Long, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Several dead animals, including cats, rabbits, pigs and goats, were found at that location.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of pig
Noun
  • The epicure who dreamed up this last part was, allegedly, a priest.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Ever since, keen epicures had been ardently awaiting his next move.
    — Sarah Khan, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of epicure
Noun
  • At the Gritti Epicurean cooking school, small groups are introduced to the marvels of Venetian culinary traditions in half-day to three-day courses.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Serious steak enthusiasts and oenophiles may want to book a room at the Epicurean Hotel, Bern’s sister property just across the street.
    — USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Definition of epicurean
Noun
  • Anne Marie Panoringan, Culture OC food writer, notes that even for seasoned gastronomes, the value proposition feels off.
    — Brock Keeling, Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Painters, sculptors, designers, and young gastronomes with a forward-thinking vision have put down roots.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2025
Definition of gastronome

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go up in flames
gourmand
gourmandism
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Cite this Entry

“Gourmand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gourmand. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gourmand

Nglish: Translation of gourmand for Spanish Speakers

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