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 The star red of my tasting was the 2019 vintage of this lithe, toothsome Cinsault. Lettie Teague, WSJ, 19 Aug. 2022 For her version of southern Italian anelletti al forno, Rodriguez’s pasta team braids strands of dough by hand into perfect, toothsome rings—all the better looking and for catching tiny bites of escarole and braised pork cheek. Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 1 July 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 Then indulge in a plat de côtes de boeuf braisés, tender braised short ribs flanked by potato mousse and drizzled with cabernet syrup, or the equally toothsome mushroom and gruyere omelet. Joanna O'Leary, Chron, 14 June 2021 Well, turns out this toothsome leafy green is also pretty good for your face. Garrett Munce, GQ, 2 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toothsome
Adjective
  • This delicious collection also includes a silk robe, sleep mask and a set of scrunchies.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • These delicious ones simmer in a mixture of grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and chili sauce for kick of heat.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The idea that tax regimes in certain markets make teams more or less desirable to players was raised more than once.
    James Mirtle, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • He isn’t expected to be at training camp with Los Angeles but rather a different team when a desirable trade package is presented.
    Scott Thompson, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But as the sustainability and alternative protein sources gained more popularity across the world, demand for edible insects is on a growth trajectory.
    Oyku Ilgar, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Some edible plants are more tolerant of acidic soils than others, but most vegetables grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH between 6 and 7.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • What's your favorite Nest candle to set the mood for date night? LS: To be honest with you, the sexiest home fragrance in our portfolio is Rose Noir & Oud — the combination of feminine pale pink rose petals with the masculinity of the oud notes makes this fragrance highly intoxicating and alluring.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Taylor Swift’s Grammys look might just be her sexiest…ever?
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Provide afternoon shade or filtered sunlight in hot climates.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Season to taste with salt, and serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, and pickles if desired.
    Meher Mirza, Saveur, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Toothsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toothsome. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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