as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
bland pasta that needs a zesty sauce
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of zesty
Its blend of grapefruit, lemon, and orange packs a zesty punch, while the jasmine base note adds a delicate, soft undertone.
—
Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
By Alexandra Pattillo For The New York Times Ginger adds a zesty kick to weeknight curries and holiday cookies.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
The scent reads as a tropical breeze thanks to a blend of dragon fruit and zesty orange oil.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
The healthiest citrus fruits offer zesty flavor and a range of nutrients.
—Zia Sherrell, Health, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
By Alexandra Pattillo For The New York Times Ginger adds a zesty kick to weeknight curries and holiday cookies.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
The scent reads as a tropical breeze thanks to a blend of dragon fruit and zesty orange oil.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
The healthiest citrus fruits offer zesty flavor and a range of nutrients.
—Zia Sherrell, Health, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zesty
Adjective
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Her trick is to finely chop the ginger, instead of grating it, so there are spicy-sweet nubs in each bite.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Mar. 2026
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Odd pieces that are too small or irregularly shaped to cut into sashimi can be easily minced for spicy poke.—
Stella Fong,
Outside,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Red cabbage, carrots and Tuscan kale form the base, bound together with a piquant balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
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The comments section features a piquant blend of solemnity, mortification, tastelessness, and transphobia, which accords with Moreschi’s reception in his lifetime.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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And a recent trip to Costco had the perfect restaurant copycat product to kick things off in delicious, budget-friendly style.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Mar. 2026
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Today, visitors can still tour its founding castle and its Museum of Arms, stroll its cobblestone streets, and duck into its delicious restaurants serving traditional meals.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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According to a post on Facebook by the New Zealand Police, a volunteer at the store noticed a pungent aroma before opening the bag, and found multiple small bags of marijuana and a large wad of cash.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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The native of Roi Et, a small village in Northeast Thailand, learned to cook from her mother and great-grandmother and carries forth their legacy with pungent pad ka pow and succulent roast chicken with crackling skin.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The branzino collars are repurposed as a riff on Buffalo wings, grilled and painted in a glaze that hits all the pleasure centers at once, with a bright, zingy vinegar punch that hums with heat.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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This bright, grassy green feels so zingy and refreshing.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Pretzel pieces, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and colorful candies fulfill your sweet and salty cravings.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
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Included in Forbes’ annual Best Places to Retire list, Virginia Beach is a desirable spot for those retirees who want to spend their next chapter fishing, biking, exploring nature, and soaking up the salty air.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zesty. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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