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
Imagine the rich sweetness of caramel and the texture of a firm fudge, combined with a tangy, savory edge that hints at its dairy roots. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 That means food like crispy Southern fried chicken, smothered pork chops, baked mac and cheese, buttery cornbread, savory collard greens, sweet potato pie and more, the Facebook post said. R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
The first course is a traditional croissant, just a few minutes out of the oven, then on to a savory, with menus rotating seasonally. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 2024 Enjoy an assortment of sweets, scones, savories, and petit fours alongside seasonal Churchill’s Tea selections and live holiday music. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 24 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for savory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savory
Adjective
  • The tubular blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies while the aromatic foliage remains evergreen through much of its range.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
  • These gins are all outstanding and will make outstanding Gin & Tonics that are refreshing and aromatic.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 50 mins Servings: 4 Jump to Nutrition Facts Mix up your weeknight menu with this delicious copycat chicken recipe.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch, fabulous raffle and listen to New York TImes bestselling author Sarah Penner discuss her new book The Amalfi Curse.Visit www.libraryguildrsf.org or call 858-756-4780 to register.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Have a satisfying dinner: Include fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full longer and reduce cravings later.
    Johna Burdeos, Health, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The videos are super satisfying and have led to The Pink Stuff becoming one of Amazon’s best-selling cleaning products.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The spicy salsa and tangy cucumber salad brought out the best of the tender birria.
    Jessica Boehm, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The finish is long and flavorful, with a lingering spicy aftertaste of cinnamon and clove notes.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The chef, Travis Lett, was obsessive about nearly everything—produce, sourcing, seasonality, herbs, spices, the chewiness of a hunk of sourdough or a pizza crust—and this obsessiveness resulted in a restaurant that was more or less flawless.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Onions shine in this old-fashioned favorite that is complemented by the essential ingredients: cheese, butter, herbs, and spices.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These days, Istanbul is a popular tourist destination, known for its colorful Turkish carpets, bustling bazaars and fragrant spice markets.
    Danuta Hamlin, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • There were vendors offering dessert, beer, wine, spirits, caramel corn, root beer floats, olive oil and pecans from Krazy 4 Nutz of Yuba City, which were particularly fragrant along the aisle of vendors stationed near the event entrance.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These fragrant groundcovers offer pleasing aromas and colorful flowers.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Kelly Clarkson Home Sara Sideboard Looking for a sleek storage solution that’s aesthetically pleasing and serves its purpose?
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The sauce is a piquant blend of tomato and vinegar that complements the pork shoulder.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Savory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savory. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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