Side dish is a term used to refer to a food item that is served alongside the main course. While the term is quite common, there are numerous synonyms that can be used in its place. Some examples of these synonyms are accompaniment, adjunct, garnish, and sidekick. Other options include appetizers, starters, and hors d'oeuvres. These words may be more specific than side dish, as they often refer to items that are meant to be eaten before the main course. Nevertheless, they can all be used in place of the term side dish to add variety to one's vocabulary and make descriptions of meals more interesting.