as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
bland pasta that needs a zesty sauce
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
This creamy, tangy, zesty pie is perfect for potlucks and picnics.
—
Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 25 May 2026
From elegant Ginger-Peach Bellinis to refreshing non-alcoholic Ginger Soda, ginger brings a zesty twist to an entertaining drinks menu.
—Kelsey Ogletree, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026
Albariño Albariño is a zesty Spanish white wine that makes for a perfect pairing with pimento cheese, according to John Mckenna, sommelier at PARC Aspen.
—Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026
Smoky paprika adds zesty flavor without added salt and is a good source of polyphenols.
—Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 25 May 2026
From elegant Ginger-Peach Bellinis to refreshing non-alcoholic Ginger Soda, ginger brings a zesty twist to an entertaining drinks menu.
—Kelsey Ogletree, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026
Albariño Albariño is a zesty Spanish white wine that makes for a perfect pairing with pimento cheese, according to John Mckenna, sommelier at PARC Aspen.
—Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026
Smoky paprika adds zesty flavor without added salt and is a good source of polyphenols.
—Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zesty
Adjective
-
The dinner menu spotlights the local bounty and skews Mediterranean with standouts such as the laffa (a chewier pita) with baba ganoush or a spicy carrot harissa dip and lamb sliders with mango jam and shallot pickle.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Draped over crisp salmon like in this rice bowl (mole instead of spicy mayo; radishes instead of cucs); this is a form of recipe development, sewing together patches into a colorful quilt.—
Emma Laperruque,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
The piquant dish is lacquered with strawberry-guajillo barbecue sauce, while a punchy coleslaw with Fresno chile vinaigrette rounds things out.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
-
Conductors often fetishize the opening bars of this opera, their squirmy alternation of silence and piquant dissonance.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This is blended with fresh herbs and spices, for a result that is savory and delicious.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
-
Our food is delicious and healthy.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Fans, and perhaps everyone else at this point, might recall that Charli was also absent from the cover of brat, which consisted of the word in black lettering over a pungent green background.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
1 June 2026
-
Its pungent aroma and sulfur compounds can deter common garden pests, such as sap-sucking aphids and fungus gnats.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Crispy tofu and roasted veggies get a slathering of zingy Sriracha-peanut sauce in this recipe.—
Hannah Agran,
Midwest Living,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Tangy layers of lemon pudding and cream cheese make this Lemon Lush a delightfully zingy treat.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Many islands offer open-to-all celebrations with a distinctly maritime twist—think salty sea air, fresh seafood, and music drifting into the long evening light.—
Lea Lane,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
Its eruption sent enough salty water vapor into the stratosphere to fill around 58,000 Olympic-size swimming pools along with volcanic ash.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zesty. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
