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
  • While there's nothing better than a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly evening, soups are an easy and delicious idea for weeknight dinners or weekend lunches.
    Staff Author, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The current was muscular, the water delicious, dark blue.
    Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The Tigers, meanwhile, hoped signing Kenta Maeda last winter could serve as a ground floor for becoming a more desirable destination for international players.
    Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Ghost distilleries—closed or mothballed facilities brought back to life—carry historical appeal, scarcity and traditional methods that make their products desirable among collectors and investors alike.
    Anthony Zhang, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • If your pup likes chewing on stuff, giving them edible chews or chew toys will keep them from ruining your furniture.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
  • From fine wines and colourful macarons to Tuscan olive oils and pecorino cheese, these boxes are filled with an assortment of edible gifts.
    Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK, theweek, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Cindy Crawford brought her sexiest swimsuits - and some supermodel energy - on winter vacation.
    Tabitha Parent, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Hart says that’s enough to meet NASA’s science goals, which will continue to include basic research, but others see a waning interest in low-Earth orbit as newer and sexier destinations like Mars take center stage.
    Georgina Torbet, The Verge, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • During this hot summer in rural Ireland, in a reprieve from her dysfunctional family home, the girl learns care and warmth like she’s never experienced before.
    Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Research shows wildfires have grown more intense in recent decades, fueled by wildfire weather (hot, dry conditions plus wind) that’s become more frequent — especially in California.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near toothsome

Cite this Entry

“Toothsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toothsome. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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