zesty

adjective

ˈze-stē 

zestier; zestiest

: having or characterized by zest : appealingly piquant or lively

a zesty sauce

zesty humor

zestily

ˈze-stə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of zesty

• spicy
• piquant
• delicious
• pungent
• zingy
• salty

Examples of zesty in a Sentence

bland pasta that needs a zesty sauce

Recent Examples on the Web

Delicious hot sauces bring a whole range of Caribbean heat - from the tropical fruit-forward notes of Pink Guava and Passion Fruit to the bright, zesty flavor of Green Caribbean and the smoky-sweet fire of Original Scotch Bonnet. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

Orange-Honey Sweet Rolls Sweetened with honey and zesty with orange, these hearty rolls make a great alternative to the traditional breakfast cinnamon roll. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 16 Sep. 2026

The earthy, zesty taste is similar to mustard greens or radish. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026

Rounding things out is a zesty yellow graphics package that was designed in-house, a full ducktail rear wing, and a set of bespoke wheels from Brixton wrapped in chunky off-road tires. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zesty

• crusty
• dusty
• gusty
• lusty
• musty
• rusty
• trusty