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
  • Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 50 mins Servings: 4 Jump to Nutrition Facts Mix up your weeknight menu with this delicious copycat chicken recipe.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • 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, 8 Apr. 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
  • The Buffs get Disney to air their spring game and the NFL to air what’s more or less a sexier version of the old Presidential Physical Fitness Test.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 31 Mar. 2025
  • 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
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
  • This is an encouraging trend, considering Adebayo shot just 29 of 106 (27.4 percent) on threes in his first 44 appearances of the season prior to this hot stretch.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 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 16 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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