as in snack
a small dish of food served before the main part of a meal
Shrimp with cocktail sauce were served as an appetizer.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of appetizer
Where there’s a group, there’s bound to be a spread of delicious appetizers, sides, dips and savory entrees to be had.
—
Nick Siano, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025
While other Italian regions might serve a light selection of antipasti, or appetizers, for the Piedmontese, antipasti are often the main event.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025
Remember to keep hearty appetizers on hand next time — as well as a careful watch on the stove.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2025
Guests enjoyed a watermelon salad for an appetizer, then chose between a filet mignon, chicken breast or mushroom risotto for their main course before diving into slices of a four-tier vanilla wedding cake and spoonfuls of mango sorbet topped with Tajín.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for appetizer 
Nick Siano, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025
While other Italian regions might serve a light selection of antipasti, or appetizers, for the Piedmontese, antipasti are often the main event.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025
Remember to keep hearty appetizers on hand next time — as well as a careful watch on the stove.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2025
Guests enjoyed a watermelon salad for an appetizer, then chose between a filet mignon, chicken breast or mushroom risotto for their main course before diving into slices of a four-tier vanilla wedding cake and spoonfuls of mango sorbet topped with Tajín.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for appetizer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizer
Noun
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All-inclusive rates cover nightly accommodations (think cozy cottages or family suites with a separate bedroom for parents), a ton of activities, and three meals a day (plus snacks).—
Beth Luberecki,
USA TODAY,
28 Jan. 2025
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During the journey, the attendant regularly came around to offer hot towels and snacks — some options, like water, chocolate, and pretzels, are complimentary.—
Aaraf Adam,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Sure, the Oscars love a musical (hello, La La Land) and have shown eclectic taste in the recent past (it’s only been two years since Everything Everywhere All at Once dominated the ceremony).—
Lucy Ford,
TIME,
24 Jan. 2025
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While several products use sweeteners to mellow out the grassy taste, our favorites were the ones that didn’t shy away from earthy flavors or hide behind artificial flavoring.—
Ali Francis,
Bon Appétit,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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And for a pick-me-up before or after the slopes, the Double Blacks cafe on the lower level serves espresso drinks, spiced ciders, fresh croissants, and small bites.—
Denny Lee,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Jan. 2025
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That starts with small bites, including his calas, also known as Creole rice fritters, traditionally a sweet breakfast dish served with cafe au lait.—
Louisa Kung Liu Chu,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
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This mouthful of a condition is a chronic type of arthritis that causes spine inflamation.—
Brittany Risher,
SELF,
8 Jan. 2025
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Advertisement Director of the Office of Management and Budget: Russell Vought Behind that bureaucratic mouthful of a title is the most powerful person deciding how the government will spend its $7 trillion-plus annual budget.—
Peter Green,
Quartz,
30 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The cleaner wrasse nibbles dead skin and parasites off the larger fish, providing the cleaner fish with food and leaving the lizardfish clean and healthy.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
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That's a hearty pie, and even a little nibble around the crust will yield some pretty fancy second homes for Donut execs.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizer. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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