Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Meal” — 5 Other Ways to Say It
A time when you eat food, like breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Meaning of Meal
An occasion when food is eaten, typically at set times during the day.
How to Pronounce Meal
IPA: /miːl/ Stress: O
The 'ea' in meal sounds like the vowel in 'see'. Stress is on the only syllable.
5 Synonyms for Meal — Words Similar to Meal
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
dinner
/ˈdɪnər/A large meal you eat in the evening, usually with family.
Example: We had dinner at six o'clock.
lunch
/lʌntʃ/Food you eat in the middle of the day, usually around noon.
Example: I eat lunch at 12 o'clock.
breakfast
/ˈbrekfəst/The meal you eat in the morning when you wake up.
Example: I usually eat breakfast at 7 AM before school.
feast
/fiːst/A big, special meal with lots of food, usually eaten with family or friends to celebrate something important. It often has many different dishes.
Example: We prepared a huge feast for Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings.
Smart Synonyms for Meal — When to Use Each
feast
For a large special meal with dishes
snack
For small food between meals
banquet
For a formal meal with guests
How to Use Meal and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- We have a family meal together every Sunday afternoon. A1
- What time do you usually have your evening meal? A2
- The restaurant's special meal includes three courses and wine. B1
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Meal
What is another word for "meal"?
Common synonyms for "meal" include: dinner, lunch, breakfast, feast, banquet.
What can I say instead of "meal"?
Try one of these alternatives: dinner, lunch, breakfast, feast, banquet. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "meal" formal or informal?
"meal" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "meal" instead of "dinner"?
Use "meal" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "dinner" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.