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 His Sesame Sweet Potato and Cabbage Burger is soft yet toothsome from shredded sweet potatoes and cabbage, and spiced perfectly with a pinch of cayenne, which cuts through the hearty veggies. Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2023 This version was vegetarian (though it’s often punctuated with salted beef or pork), a hearty mix of potatoes, carrots, wilted spinach-esque callaloo and toothsome dumplings. Nevin Martell, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2022 All the prepared bites were quickly claimed, leaving bare a lush display of toothsome raw vegetables. Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toothsome
Adjective
  • 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, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Makhani and Punjabi curry were absolutely delicious.
    Andrew King, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • However, for industries with short value chains, such as data and information services or software companies, forming a joint venture will invariably require joining forces with an existing or future competitor and is therefore less desirable.
    Raj Sharma, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • In a hot market, appraisal gaps became commonplace in the most desirable neighborhoods and price points.
    TC Brown, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This class is for gardeners interested in expanding their own edible landscapes, with information about creating a backyard garden that delivers fresh food in an affordable, sustainable way.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
  • An employee-run herb garden provides the hotels’ restaurants with basil, chili, kaffir lime, okra, spring onions, and edible flowers.
    Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Here are five players the Vikings should target: Will Fries, guard Not the sexiest name out there by any means, Fries might be the best interior offensive lineman available.
    Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The man who portrays The Rookie character is, of course, Eric Winter, whom readers voted as the sexiest TV cop.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Some bees can remember experiencing high heat and weigh this against the reward of sugar when it’s offered in hot containers.
    Bob Fischer, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The script, from first-time feature writer Nora Garrett, was a hot property among readers in recent years.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Toothsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toothsome. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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