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
Renowned for its aromatic leaves and zesty fruit, this unique tree not only adds a refreshing burst of flavor and zest to your favorite dishes but also brings a touch of the tropics to your growing space.
—
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Jan. 2026
While typical pesto is a bright, earthy green, this zesty version gives it a bold red hue, echoing its' punchy and bold flavor.
—Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
Combine kiwi chunks with mango, peppers, and cilantro to make a zesty salsa.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 15 Jan. 2026
Lopez often changed the familiar pop arrangements of her songs to fit a moody, zesty energy.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Jan. 2026
While typical pesto is a bright, earthy green, this zesty version gives it a bold red hue, echoing its' punchy and bold flavor.
—Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
Combine kiwi chunks with mango, peppers, and cilantro to make a zesty salsa.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 15 Jan. 2026
Lopez often changed the familiar pop arrangements of her songs to fit a moody, zesty energy.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zesty
Adjective
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Entrees at The Gibson include short rib, salmon, spicy tagliatelle with shrimp and a pork chop.—
Sarah Blaskovich,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Like most sushi restaurants in the city, there is spicy tuna and crispy rice on the menu, but this one is really good.—
Jocelyn Silver,
Vogue,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Sustained support from the strings gives way to watery ripples and busy chatters, with piquant harmonic implications.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This recipe is best served warm, as the chocolate will start to set up as the hot chocolate cools, which won't be as delicious to drink.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Jan. 2026
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Save some room for the brown butter almond cake at the end, which sounds deceptively simple but is the very definition of delicious with whimsical plating and delicious—and complex—flavors.—
Asonta Benetti,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Most of us know licorice for its sweet, pungent flavor in candy and beverages—or, perhaps, as a soothing remedy for heartburn and tummy trouble.—
Beatrice Zocchi,
Vogue,
23 Jan. 2026
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No suspicious whine in the air, no burning of pungent oils to put off biters.—
Antonia Quirke,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This year kicked off with an unlikely nail color trend: a zingy, red-tinged orange.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
10 Jan. 2026
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Herbal ginger tea is a zingy swap.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
23 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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That cold, salty air is the cure for the common dislike of cold.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
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This nostalgic dish is the perfect blend of salty and sweet.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zesty. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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