toothsome

adjective

ˈtüth-səm How to pronounce toothsome (audio)
Definition of toothsomenext
1
as in delicious
very pleasing to the sense of taste a toothsome chocolate dessert

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in desirable
sexually attractive the movie star and his supermodel girlfriend are considered the most toothsome couple in Hollywood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The abalone is plump and toothsome, yet still tender and accompanied by asparagus kissed by the fire. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 16 June 2026 Organized by color, the book is chockablock with toothsome images of fashion legends, first ladies, pop stars, and lavish projects by the world’s leading designers and architects. — Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026 Kristen Wile of Unpretentious Palate kindly offered me a bite of her toothsome barbacoa entree, wrapped in a collard leaf and served with mayocoba (a creamy, yellow-green canary bean) and a red and green salsa duo. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026 For pasta, try using whole wheat for its earthy, toothsome quality; any kind will do. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toothsome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toothsome
  1. delicious
  2. desirable
  3. edible
  4. sexy
  5. hot
Adjective
  • Fresh corn is a summertime staple, and there are plenty of delicious ways to put it to good use.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The food in the modernist dining hall is delicious, but sparse.
    — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of delicious
Adjective
  • Ferrari can remain one of the most desirable brands in the world even as the stock falls because its valuation has outpaced what the business can realistically deliver.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Follow aeration by overseeding the lawn, as this will thicken the lawn canopy with desirable grass species.
    — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of desirable
Adjective
  • When most of us think about edible seeds, our minds usually jump to chia seeds stirred into smoothies or overnight oats, pumpkin seeds roasted after carving jack-o'-lanterns each fall, or sunflower seeds chewed and spit out at a baseball game.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Today, the yard is full, teeming with edible plants wrapped around a central open area covered in clumping grass that creates a wave-like texture.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of edible
Adjective
  • Summer is the best time to show some skin, but sexy isn’t the only way to go; street stylers revealed some fun new ways to approach the look.
    — Irene Kim, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Academy Award winner Halle Berry celebrated her 60th birthday by posting a series of sexy photographs online.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of sexy
Adjective
  • The latest scorcher comes after Western Europe recorded its hottest June and July on record, according to Copernicus, the European Union’s climate monitor.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In 2012, American entrepreneur Christopher Burch and hot-shot hotelier James McBride took over and zhuzhed it up to the tune of 30 million dollars, launching Nihi into the league of one-percenter hideaways.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of hot

Browse Nearby Words

tooth and nail
toothsome
toothsomeness
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Toothsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toothsome. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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