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
The former is served in a pool in a zesty salsa verde.
—
Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
The chicken used here is shredded and has a good kick of spice, though, and that’s offset by a smooth cheese sauce, pico de gallo and a zesty lime crema sauce.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Aug. 2025
The Ghost Pepper rub brings fiery Louisiana spices with ghost pepper heat, while Lemon Pepper offers a zesty, citrusy twist.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
For those seeking out big adventures, zesty romps in nature that will test your mettle, look no further than Eleven’s hut-to-hut multi-day hiking journey.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
The chicken used here is shredded and has a good kick of spice, though, and that’s offset by a smooth cheese sauce, pico de gallo and a zesty lime crema sauce.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Aug. 2025
The Ghost Pepper rub brings fiery Louisiana spices with ghost pepper heat, while Lemon Pepper offers a zesty, citrusy twist.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
For those seeking out big adventures, zesty romps in nature that will test your mettle, look no further than Eleven’s hut-to-hut multi-day hiking journey.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zesty
Adjective
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Unlike other game-day snacks like chips or popcorn, where flavors and textures can get a little one-note after a while, ALDI’s Cajun Trail Mix keeps your taste buds entertained with different flavors—salty, sweet, and spicy—and different textures, too.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
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The sandwich options vary by protein, with choices including Spam, bacon, ham and spicy pork.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The tequila daisy cocktail, served in a clay cantarito cup smudged with sumac salt, is piquant with ancho verde, mellowed with summer strawberry.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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His piquant style of writing in the unfinished tell-all feels like dropping into a gossip circle in the most glamorous (and cutting) powder room on the planet.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The world is full of delicious Negroni variations, but few and far between are the ones that work as harmoniously as this.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
4 Oct. 2025
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Meaty, creamy and simply delicious!—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The pungent smell of weed pervaded the arena as YoungBoy performed an eclectic set, showcasing the breadth of songs in his catalog.—
Jayson Buford,
Rolling Stone,
30 Sep. 2025
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By definition, herbs are the pungent leafy portions of certain plants, while spices are derived from seeds, fruits, flowers, or roots.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Her spring collection offered flowing plissé strapless or cape-like frocks in a variety of zingy colors, from lime green and lilac to fiery red and bubblegum pink.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
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Jelly-like cubes of veal head are fried and served with a zingy ravigote sauce.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There was blood and thunder, and the encounter was saltier than a pitch seasoned by Pisa’s former owner Romeo Anconetani who used to superstitiously spread the stuff around the ground before games.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
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Some of the world’s largest makers of salty, savory and sweet treats have flagged weakness in their snack portfolio, Josephson said, adding that many of these companies had dramatically hiked their prices in recent years.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zesty. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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