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 Radishes They may be best known for their crunchy red roots, but radishes also sprout zesty greens that are delicious when sautéed. — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 Inspired by delicious hot-weather dishes, Japanese hiyayakko and Sichuan liangban tofu, this cold tofu dish features a zesty dressing comprising soy sauce, chili crisp, and an abundance of scallions for freshness. — Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 Wrapped in notes of Sichuan pepper, pear, lemon, honey, and musk, rose takes on a quality that’s at once spicy, zesty, fruity, honeyed, and musky. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026 This Best of Beauty Award winner is paired with the equally zesty bergamot right up top, with Earl Grey tea, orange flower, and jasmine mid-notes bringing a calm, sweetly floral freshness to the heart. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 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
  • Start your day with their Stuffed Biscuit that’s filled with spicy sausage and smashed potatoes or Cornmeal Pancakes with Cinnamon-Brown Sugar Crunch Topping.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Cinnamon fragrances are having a moment, with interest in the spicy scent surging in recent months.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • Sipping on the watermelon, calamansi, ginger agua fresca was just the right pairing with my boldly piquant dinner.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Placebo, loukoumi, kouglof, toda raba, Sharapova, tempura, cacao, platypus, shrub, castagnette, potato salada, potage piquant pékinois.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Definition of piquant
Adjective
  • The lively spot is known for its colorful cocktails, packed calendar of weekly events and specials, and consistently delicious Mexican fare.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • For dinner, go back into town for Feast and Floret's delicious Italian small plates and impeccable vibes—or head to Wm.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of delicious
Adjective
  • Many glass cleaners use ammonia to cut through grease and grime, but instead of leaving your appliances polished and shiny, the pungent solution can actually leave a streaky, cloudy sheen on stainless steel.
    — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Rordam recommends avoiding fish and other pungent foods leading up to the open house and addressing any lingering odors beforehand.
    — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of pungent
Adjective
  • Be sure to order a side of the crispy potatoes and the zingy herb salad.
    — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, an electric color palette of zingy greens, bold reds, and Prussian blues–touched off with plenty of black accents–amplifies the property’s wildly original juxtaposition of antiquity and modernity.
    — Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of zingy
Adjective
  • The trick is that the body’s salty tissues conduct electricity, so a tiny voltage pulse from the hub could spread across the rat’s body to reach the implant.
    — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The McDonald’s drive-thru has always been a great place to grab a quick bite on the road or the perfect mid-afternoon snack (which is an order of piping hot and perfectly salty fries and an ice-cold Diet Coke).
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 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 3 Oct. 2026.

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