zesty

adjective

ˈze-stē How to pronounce zesty (audio)
Definition of zestynext
as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses bland pasta that needs a zesty sauce

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of zesty Made with a base of sparkling wine and zesty Valencia orange juice, this effervescent wine is bright, dry, and refreshing. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026 Baking bread with a zesty hint of lemon peel intermixed with complex notes of chamomile and candied violets. — Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 With its golden crust, creamy filling, and zesty lime finish, the treat offers endless inspiration for your next manicure. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for zesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zesty
  1. spicy
  2. piquant
  3. delicious
  4. pungent
  5. zingy
  6. salty
Adjective
  • The biggest crowd puller is the famous black cod miso but locals have unofficially crowned the Wagyu beef and foie gras dumplings with spicy ponzu Warsaw’s favorite.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • With base notes of leather, vanilla, and milky musk, the woody, spicy scent also has hints of bergamot, nutmeg, black tea, and palo santo.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • Placebo, loukoumi, kouglof, toda raba, Sharapova, tempura, cacao, platypus, shrub, castagnette, potato salada, potage piquant pékinois.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • When prepared with skill, shrimp can be tender and sweet, perfect for dipping in tangy, piquant cocktail sauce.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 22 June 2026
Definition of piquant
Adjective
  • Start your day with a delicious coffee and a pastry—two things that locals take very seriously—at one of its many hip cafés (Hart Bakery is one of the best).
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • These cookies are not only delicious, but have a rich history, too.
    — Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of delicious
Adjective
  • Most recently, Fresh Market Place had a bin of papalo, a pungent leafy herb grown by a local in his backyard.
    — Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • This results in a 92-proof gin with a pungent, piney nose, earthy zest, and creamy finish, perfect for classic cocktails.
    — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of pungent
Adjective
  • Begin with the luscious gazpacho—a great way to kick off juicy baby back ribs—the zingy duck liver terrine or the summer crab cake with corn succotash and basil aioli.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • The surprising combination of pasta, pepperoni slices, olives, and bell peppers dressed in a zingy Italian vinaigrette.
    — Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
Definition of zingy
Adjective
  • Salsa macha added a welcome smoky heat and crunch, while crumbled queso fresco brought enough salty bite to tie it all together.
    — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 30 July 2026
  • The buttery pretzel crust delivers a salty crunch that balances the silky cream cheese layer and bright lemon filling.
    — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 30 July 2026
Definition of salty

Browse Nearby Words

zestless
zesty
zig
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Cite this Entry

“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zesty. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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