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 opening hits you with a beautiful mandarin that feels fresh and zesty, paired with the sweetest marshmallow accord that somehow manages to feel both powdery and fluffy at the same time.
—
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zesty
Adjective
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The staff is brisk, used to locals ordering with a shorthand as precise as Philly cheesesteak lingo, and the souvlaki itself is unlike anywhere else in Athens—simple, spicy, smoky, and closer to kebab than the standard style.—
Katherine Whittaker,
Saveur,
9 Oct. 2025
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Evans asked him to detail why, but Doncic, who was suffering from the heat of the spicy wings, just repeated the song’s title.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
9 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
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Our Test Kitchen pros are always developing delicious pasta recipes, but this One-Pot Spaghetti has become extra famous around the office.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
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Smoothies are a delicious treat that's creamy, cold and full of flavor.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
11 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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Winter Spiced Cranberry takes the classic lemon-lime flavor for which Sprite is known and loved and adds a touch of warming spices along with a just a hint of zingy cranberry flavor.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
10 Oct. 2025
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Ginger apple rye scones from Poppy Bakery Made with apple chunks, fresh ginger, crystallized ginger and locally sourced Meadowlark Organics Flour, these scones will give you the perfect zingy sweetness that embodies the feeling of a crisp fall day.—
Angelika Ytuarte,
jsonline.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Avoid overly salty or processed options.—
Brittany Poulson,
Verywell Health,
14 Oct. 2025
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Here are a few playful charcuterie board games to get your autumn party started by rolling the dice with some sweet, savory, salty, spicy, and umami seasonal delights.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zesty. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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