as in snacks
a small dish of food served before the main part of a meal
Shrimp with cocktail sauce were served as an appetizer.
Related Words
Relevance
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 appetizers
Next are our favorite Super Bowl dips and spreads, followed by more wings and other meaty appetizers (snackable meatballs, skewers, and more), shareable sandwiches, and heartier fare (like pizzas and tacos).
—
Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Jan. 2026
Aside from beef brisket noodle soup, the restaurant makes its own buns and soup dumplings, rice dishes and appetizers like cucumber salad and chicken wings.
—Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
For appetizers, diners can order either oyster shooters with salsa or shrimp crostini.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Elia boasts a large lineup of shareable appetizers, including the showy saganaki, and diners rave about the lamb, octopus, sea bass and seafood paella entrees.
—Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Its menu will expand to include more appetizers, sandwiches, chicken wings, mac and cheese, and gourmet hot dogs.
—Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026
These easy appetizers combine two party favorites—jalapeno poppers and buffalo chicken wings.
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 5 Jan. 2026
Common Types of Winter Squash Winter squash comes in a wide variety options, perfect for transforming into a range of comforting winter dishes from appetizers and sides to desserts and more.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
But the appetizers were never going to have anything on the main course.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appetizers
Noun
-
Whether commuting for work or running errands, Dana is a carryall with ample space for essentials (think phone, keys, wallet, and sunglasses), along with a 13-inch laptop, water bottle, makeup, portable charger, lightweight jacket, snacks, and a notebook.—
-
The main compartment is spacious enough for essentials like chargers, money, my phone, and of course, snacks.—
Noun
-
Tightly wrap the bites, then return them to the freezer for up to one month.—
-
Use seeds in homemade trail mix, granola, and energy bites.—
Noun
-
If your tastes swing more to the chocolate side of the scale, try these Chocolate Kiss Cookies on Valentine's Day instead.—
-
Memphis' 2026 food calendar offers something for all tastes.—
Noun
-
Easy snacks and nibbles that are comfortable, elegant and, yes, perfectly matched to a cocktail, martini or otherwise.—
-
Some nibbles to graze on Lightly sweet, warmly spiced mulled wine is best paired with a selection of salty snacks.—
Noun
-
But now, the future of Lucille’s American Cafe, a Weston comfort-food institution serving up mouthfuls of nostalgia since 1999, is unclear.—
Cite this Entry
“Appetizers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appetizers. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share