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

Examples 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
  • Delicata squash offers an edible skin that's delicious after roasting.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Among the favorite menu items are the Figgy Jam Grilled Cheese, Llama Cuban, and a delicious pork barbecue sandwich called The King.
    Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Today, Florentine gilded wood is still desirable, particularly among designers.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2025
  • This was once a highly desirable area, where rich sea merchants bought mansions on Judges Drive.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • These particles were found in the edible muscle tissues of the seafood, suggesting the microplastics and microfibers traveled from the digestive system to other places in the body.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • While the majority are edible, others are designed to be solely experiential.
    Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But the parties happening before and after the awards show set the scene for even sexier fashions to take flight.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Forget boring party platter fodder and say hello to the new, improved melon: its more sustainable and much sexier.
    Rai Mincey, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But even after El Niño ended and a more moderate La Niña cycle took over, the oceans stayed hot, with sea surface temperatures from July to December 2024 entering the record books second only to the same period in 2023.
    Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Offering hot drinks and a lounge with sofas, as well as booths for injections, the Safer Drug Consumption Facility is the first of its kind in Britain and follows similar initiatives in other cities around the world, including New York.
    Stephen Castle, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Toothsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toothsome. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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