EPICURE Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'epicure' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of epicure are gastronome , gourmand , and gourmet . While all these words mean "one who takes pleasure in eating and drinking," epicure implies fastidiousness and voluptuousness of taste.

Q: When would 'gastronome' be a good substitute for 'epicure'?

While in some cases nearly identical to epicure , gastronome implies that one has studied extensively the history and rituals of haute cuisine.

Q: When is 'gourmand' a more appropriate choice than 'epicure'?

The synonyms gourmand and epicure are sometimes interchangeable, but gourmand implies a hearty appetite for good food and drink, not without discernment, but with less than a gourmet's.

Q: When could 'gourmet' be used to replace 'epicure'?

The words gourmet and epicure can be used in similar contexts, but gourmet implies being a connoisseur in food and drink and the discriminating enjoyment of them.

epicure

noun

ˈe-pi-ˌkyu̇r

Definition of epicure

as in gourmet

a person with refined tastes in food and wine Thomas Jefferson was one of America's first great epicures

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How does the noun epicure contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of epicure are gastronome, gourmand, and gourmet. While all these words mean "one who takes pleasure in eating and drinking," epicure implies fastidiousness and voluptuousness of taste.

When would gastronome be a good substitute for epicure?

While in some cases nearly identical to epicure, gastronome implies that one has studied extensively the history and rituals of haute cuisine.

When is gourmand a more appropriate choice than epicure?

The synonyms gourmand and epicure are sometimes interchangeable, but gourmand implies a hearty appetite for good food and drink, not without discernment, but with less than a gourmet's.

When could gourmet be used to replace epicure?

The words gourmet and epicure can be used in similar contexts, but gourmet implies being a connoisseur in food and drink and the discriminating enjoyment of them.

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 epicure And now, with a myriad of buzzy new restaurants helmed by some of France’s top chefs and curious creatives from around the world eager to experiment with the territory’s rich ingredients, Biarritz is becoming an epicure’s paradise in its own right. — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026 The epicure who dreamed up this last part was, allegedly, a priest. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 Ever since, keen epicures had been ardently awaiting his next move. — Sarah Khan, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025 Simic’s work is often described as surreal, darkly humorous, minimalist, the work of an impassioned epicure. — Rowan Ricardo Phillips, The New Republic, 13 Jan. 2023 An epicure is particular about his pleasures; a snob is particular about everyone else’s pleasures, forever lecturing others about their tastes in music, clothes, restaurants, and their general modes of life. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 10 Mar. 2022 Visitors to downtown Napa can further embrace their inner epicure at the Oxbow Public Market, a food hall included by Times travel writer Christopher Reynolds on his list of the 40 best autumn experiences in California. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for epicure

Noun

With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike.

— Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
Founded in 2017 by three Italian food journalists and gastronomes, Luciano Pignataro, Albert Sapere and Barbara Guerra, 50 Top Pizza ranks pizzas around the world.

— Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 2 June 2026

Definition of gastronome

Noun

During this time, Wareheim — who played the epicurean Arnold opposite his real-life foodie friend Aziz Ansari on Netflix’s Master of None — also became a best-selling cookbook author with the playful Foodheim.

— Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
Seline, a 14- to 17-course epicurean adventure told through seasonal and regional ingredients, innovative techniques and showy plating that makes use of bones, antlers and bowls within bowls, has been racking up accolades in 2026.

— Carrie Bell, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of epicurean

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“Epicure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epicure. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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