as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
bland pasta that needs a zesty sauce
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of zesty
Last summer, Gigi Hadid styled a zesty citrus pair with a playful mini dress, while Dakota Johnson wore a pair while vacationing in Ibiza with Kate Hudson.
—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
23 June 2026
Each bite is filled with crunchy texture from peppers, tender chew from pasta, and a subtle build of heat from a spicy ranch vinaigrette that is zesty but manages to complement the sweet notes of the fresh veggies.
—
Amanda Stanfield,
Southern Living,
22 June 2026
Its herbal notes and zesty acidity will cut through the rich cheese while complementing the fresh flavors in the dish.
—
Carole Kotkin,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
This gorgeous recipe, featured in their cookbook Crowded Kitchen, balances the berries with tangy goat cheese, creamy avocado, crunchy pepitas, and a zesty lime-jalapeño-mint dressing.
—
Lexi Harrison,
Midwest Living,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
23 June 2026
Each bite is filled with crunchy texture from peppers, tender chew from pasta, and a subtle build of heat from a spicy ranch vinaigrette that is zesty but manages to complement the sweet notes of the fresh veggies.
—
Amanda Stanfield,
Southern Living,
22 June 2026
Its herbal notes and zesty acidity will cut through the rich cheese while complementing the fresh flavors in the dish.
—
Carole Kotkin,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
This gorgeous recipe, featured in their cookbook Crowded Kitchen, balances the berries with tangy goat cheese, creamy avocado, crunchy pepitas, and a zesty lime-jalapeño-mint dressing.
—
Lexi Harrison,
Midwest Living,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zesty
Adjective
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Wild Arugula While standard arugula may be part of many reasonably priced salad mixes, the deliciously spicy, dainty wild arugula fetches premium prices of $4 to $6 for a 5-ounce bunch.
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Modales leans into cold-hardy grapes varieties like blaufränkisch, the spicy Austrian red variety that has become a favorite by-the-glass pour at Ox Bar.
Adjective
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When prepared with skill, shrimp can be tender and sweet, perfect for dipping in tangy, piquant cocktail sauce.
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The piquant dish is lacquered with strawberry-guajillo barbecue sauce, while a punchy coleslaw with Fresno chile vinaigrette rounds things out.
Adjective
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Cherry trees showcase beautiful blooms in the spring and produce delicious fruit in late spring and early summer.
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The spinach and feta pastry was delicious, salty enough from the cheese filling and not too heavy.
Adjective
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The body was inside a bag in the trunk of a gray vehicle, which was opened by police due to its pungent smell.
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The body was inside a bag in the trunk of a gray vehicle, which was opened by police due to its pungent smell.
Adjective
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The sushi bar serves fresh fish and zingy flavors at reasonable prices, and the tonkotsu ramen is deeply satisfying.
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These fragrances carry that same memory: ionic and subtly zingy, softened by an indulgent warmth that lingers.
Adjective
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Stoke the mix with 2 cups of corn and crispy, salty pancetta (bacon’s thinner, quicker-cooking cousin).
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The spinach and feta pastry was delicious, salty enough from the cheese filling and not too heavy.
Cite this Entry
“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zesty. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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