savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness.

1. Appetizing to the taste or smell: a savory stew. 2. Piquant, pungent, or salty to the taste; not sweet. 3. Morally respectable; inoffensive: a past that was scarcely savory.

If you say that something is not savory, you mean that it is not pleasant or socially acceptable:

Savory food has a salty or spicy flavor rather than a sweet one. ...all sorts of sweet and savory breads.

Feb 21, 2026 · Adjective savory (comparative savorier, superlative savoriest) (American spelling) Tasty, attractive to the palate.

Pleasing to the taste or smell; appetizing. Salty or piquant; not sweet. A savory relish. Morally acceptable; respectable. A dish of pungent taste, such as anchovies on toast or pickled fruit, …

Savory flavors can range from herbs like rosemary and thyme to savory sauces and dishes like stews or roasted meats. Additionally, "savory" can refer to something that is delicious, flavorful, and appetizing …

adj. pleasant or agreeable in taste or smell: a savory aroma. piquant: a savory jelly. pleasing, attractive, or agreeable. n. Food [Brit.]an aromatic, often spicy course or dish served either as an appetizer or …

Savory describes the kind of rich flavor that’s most often associated with foods like meats and roasted vegetables. There are often considered to be five basic taste sensations: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, …

Something savory is full of flavor, delicious and tasty — usually something that someone has cooked. In the world of cuisine, savory is also often used to mean the opposite of sweet, or salty.