savory 1 of 2

variants also savoury
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as in satisfying
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses having to fire someone was not a task that the manager found at all savory

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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savory

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word savory different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of savory are appetizing, palatable, tasty, and toothsome. While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness.

dumplings with savory fillings

When can appetizing be used instead of savory?

While in some cases nearly identical to savory, appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste.

appetizing hors d'oeuvres

When could palatable be used to replace savory?

While the synonyms palatable and savory are close in meaning, palatable often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable.

butterflies that birds find palatable

In what contexts can tasty take the place of savory?

The words tasty and savory 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 savory?

The meanings of toothsome and savory largely overlap; however, 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 savory
Adjective
It can be blended into smoothies, swirled into oatmeal or yogurt, or used as a base for savory or sweet dips and sauces. Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 Sep. 2025 From the savory crunch of cheddar cheese straws to the buttery perfection of sweet potato biscuits, many of these appetizers have been passed down through generations and continue to make every fall gathering special. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
Olive oil not only complements savory toppings, Fenn said, but adds healthy fats that boost fullness, support heart health and even benefit the brain. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025 Traditionally, feteer can be savory with something in it or it can be served for breakfast with powdered sugar, butter, sometimes jam. Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for savory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory
Adjective
  • The most famous wine was Malvasia, a sweet, aromatic wine from Greece and the islands of the Aegean with a multitude of genetic and other variations today.
    Layne Randolph, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Fresh rosemary infuses the dish with a delicate, aromatic note.
    Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Bitter Mai is also, improbably, absolutely delicious.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Stanway plays in Kelly on the left wing, who delivers a delicious ball for Russo to head home.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The moon is one of the easiest and most satisfying targets for beginner and pro astrophotographers to capture.
    Harry Bennett, Space.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Pacing yourself so your shields regenerate and picking up large green gems to produce a powerful return volley of shots is particularly satisfying.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, Wingstop added crispy chicken tenders to the menu alongside a dozen flavors such as Hawaiian, Cajun, Louisiana rub, spicy Korean Q, atomic, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, and mango habanero.
    George A. Paul, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Its 3 most popular items served are its signature dish, the avocado smash, its warm chicken & ancients grain bowl, and its Bluestone burrito with spicy potato wedges.
    Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Chef Enrico Crippa’s dishes are celebrations of the rolling hills of the Piedmont region and his love for herbs, flowers, and vegetables.
    Jamila Robinson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Also on the menu will be a Transylvanian goulash, a hearty stew-like dish with peppers and herbs.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Paneled in fragrant Japanese wood, the city’s largest hotel spa provides a stunning view of downtown’s glittering skyline.
    Terry Elward, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The base is a soft, buttery banana bread made with real bananas for a natural, fragrant flavor.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Material to be covered includes choosing the right camera, choosing compatible accessories and techniques to produce pleasing night sky photographs.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Among the many pleasing on-screen personalities who join Levy en route are Rahul Dravid, former Indian cricketer famed as one of the greatest batsmen in the game’s history, and Eric Nam, an American singer, songwriter and actor based in South Korea.
    Laura Manske, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The tequila daisy cocktail, served in a clay cantarito cup smudged with sumac salt, is piquant with ancho verde, mellowed with summer strawberry.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • His piquant style of writing in the unfinished tell-all feels like dropping into a gossip circle in the most glamorous (and cutting) powder room on the planet.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Savory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savory. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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