variants
also hors d'oeuvre
as in bites
a food served in small portions before the main part of a meal
a tray of assorted hors d'oeuvres
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Recent Examples of hors d'oeuvres
Both anchovy paste and tomato paste can add depth to dressings, sauces, and pasta dishes; sherry vinegar is ideal for vinaigrettes and glazes; a jar of capers can elevate simple hors d'oeuvres; and chili sambals can bring the heat to eggs, marinades, and stir-fries.
—
Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026
Prepare hors d'oeuvres and invite family members over for a rocking New Year's Eve gathering to reflect on the past year — and to set goals for the upcoming year together.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 29 Dec. 2025
Although the invitation stated that hors d'oeuvres will be provided, the Redditor doesn't believe that meets formal wedding expectations.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
Enjoy live music and hors d'oeuvres along the way.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Dec. 2025
Have each course center on a classic fall produce type, from hors d'oeuvres to the main dish.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
For hors d'oeuvres, highlights include tuna carpaccio, French onion soup, steak tartare and the escargot and foie gras parfait that Starr loves.
—Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026
Prepare hors d'oeuvres and invite family members over for a rocking New Year's Eve gathering to reflect on the past year — and to set goals for the upcoming year together.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 29 Dec. 2025
Although the invitation stated that hors d'oeuvres will be provided, the Redditor doesn't believe that meets formal wedding expectations.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
Enjoy live music and hors d'oeuvres along the way.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Dec. 2025
Have each course center on a classic fall produce type, from hors d'oeuvres to the main dish.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
For hors d'oeuvres, highlights include tuna carpaccio, French onion soup, steak tartare and the escargot and foie gras parfait that Starr loves.
—Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hors d'oeuvres
Noun
-
That five-man group makes up the Yankees’ season-opening rotation right now, which means swingmen Yarbrough and Blackburn could be forced into the group if the injury bug bites again.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
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Photo of the Day Sander Eitrem of Norway bites his gold medal on the podium after the men's 5,000 meters speedskating race in Milan on Sunday.—
The Sports Desk,
NBC news,
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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But Wedgewood says a key element of his job is curating a lineup that appeals to the broad, undefined music tastes of racing fans.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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These thoughtful touches are designed to make the journey feel unhurried and seamless, from airport arrival to touchdown, emphasizing the premium nature of the service.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
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There are no frills or fancy touches, but a sense of familiarity and open-mindedness radiates throughout.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Lincoln’s Rock has long been one of the Blue Mountains’ quieter sunset spots — a rocky overhang with sweeping views across eucalyptus valleys just outside Sydney.—
Trista Kurniawan,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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Perhaps the thought of former pros populating college sports and taking spots away animates Congress to act, but the track record isn’t promising.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hors d'oeuvres.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hors%20d%27oeuvres. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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