¹savory

adjective sa·vory \ˈsā-və-rē, ˈsāv-rē\

: having a pleasant taste or smell

: having a spicy or salty quality without being sweet

: morally good

Full Definition of SAVORY

: having savor: as

a : piquantly pleasant to the mind <a savory triumph>

b : morally exemplary : edifying

c : pleasing to the sense of taste especially by reason of effective seasoning

d : pungently flavorful without sweetness

— sa·vor·i·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

— sa·vor·i·ness \-rē-nəs\ noun

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Variants of SAVORY

sa·vory also sa·voury \ˈsā-və-rē, ˈsāv-rē\

First Known Use of SAVORY

13th century

Related to SAVORY

Synonyms: ambrosial, aromatic, perfumed, redolent, fragrant (also savoury), scented, sweet

Antonyms: fetid, foul, malodorous, noisome, putrid, rancid, rank, reeking, reeky, skunky, smelly, stenchful, stenchy, stinking, stinky, strong

Synonym Discussion of SAVORY

palatable, appetizing, savory, tasty, toothsome mean agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste. palatable often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable <butterflies that birds find palatable>. appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste <appetizing hors d'oeuvres>. savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness <dumplings with savory fillings>. tasty implies a pronounced taste <a tart and tasty pie>. toothsome stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness <an enticing array of toothsome desserts>.