Definition of toothsomenext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of toothsome are appetizing, palatable, savory, and tasty. While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," toothsome stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness.

an enticing array of toothsome desserts

Where would appetizing be a reasonable alternative to toothsome?

The words appetizing and toothsome can be used in similar contexts, but appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste.

appetizing hors d'oeuvres

When can palatable be used instead of toothsome?

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

butterflies that birds find palatable

When is savory a more appropriate choice than toothsome?

While in some cases nearly identical to toothsome, savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness.

dumplings with savory fillings

When is it sensible to use tasty instead of toothsome?

In some situations, the words tasty and toothsome are roughly equivalent. However, tasty implies a pronounced taste.

a tart and tasty pie

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 toothsome The abalone is plump and toothsome, yet still tender and accompanied by asparagus kissed by the fire. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 16 June 2026 Organized by color, the book is chockablock with toothsome images of fashion legends, first ladies, pop stars, and lavish projects by the world’s leading designers and architects. Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026 Kristen Wile of Unpretentious Palate kindly offered me a bite of her toothsome barbacoa entree, wrapped in a collard leaf and served with mayocoba (a creamy, yellow-green canary bean) and a red and green salsa duo. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026 For pasta, try using whole wheat for its earthy, toothsome quality; any kind will do. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026 The coarsely ground beef is toothsome, the nutty toma more complex than standard Swiss cheese and the bread ideally buttered and toasted. Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 10 Mar. 2026 Top spots like Tamuraya and Menya Yosuke serve toothsome bowls with rich broths, handmade wontons, and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. Kim Kay, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025 The star red of my tasting was the 2019 vintage of this lithe, toothsome Cinsault. Lettie Teague, WSJ, 19 Aug. 2022 Reward yourself with a bowl of polpette (meatballs) smothered in parmesan sauce and passatelli, a toothsome local noodle speciality made from parmesan, breadcrumbs, and egg. Adam H. Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toothsome
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
Adjective
  • When using chemical methods to kill the shrub, be sure to protect desirable plants from overspray.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
  • Instead of looking only for escapements or technical innovation, Newman encourages appreciation of cases, dials, proportions, engraving, and overall design—the same qualities that define today’s most desirable independent watches.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
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
Adjective
  • The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening.
    Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Zuma at Hôtel Byblos is another spot for high-quality, contemporary Japanese food, with a sexy ambiance and amazing cocktail selection.
    Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • July 4th will be far hotter than normal for many and will follow several days in a row of intense heat.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Toothsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toothsome. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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