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
Taking a playful cooking trip through the alphabet with an A-to-Z guide to chili-making ingredients and techniques — from aromatics and avocado oil to the Mexican xoconostle prickly pear and zesty toppings like fresh cilantro, pickled jalapenos, and shredded Pepper Jack cheese.
—
Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zesty
Adjective
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Culinary adventures in this city offer sweet, spicy, sour and salty flavors across famous dishes that can cost less than $5.—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
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My first root beer felt like a spicy cola and a big secret I’d unraveled.—
Julie Lin,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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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
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Conductors often fetishize the opening bars of this opera, their squirmy alternation of silence and piquant dissonance.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Besides the hotel's on-site restaurant, one of the best on the island, another spot for upscale dining is Eli’s, which also has delicious cocktails and ocean views.—
Kira Turnbull,
Travel + Leisure,
6 June 2026
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The Personal Blender includes two Tritan Renew blending cups and the ultra-durable Rapid Extractor Blade to make delicious smoothies and more.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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The worst place at a factory to work for was always the screen-printing department—the hot metal and lacquer thinner produce pungent toxins that workers have no choice but to inhale.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
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Surrendering to a relaxing massage with a pungent herbal oil—one treatment among many of Sisley’s top-notch line of Phyto-aromatic beauty products—was in perfect sync with the luxe countryside spirit.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Crispy tofu and roasted veggies get a slathering of zingy Sriracha-peanut sauce in this recipe.—
Hannah Agran,
Midwest Living,
28 Apr. 2026
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Tangy layers of lemon pudding and cream cheese make this Lemon Lush a delightfully zingy treat.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This addicting shrimp recipe manages the best blend of salty and sweet.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 June 2026
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Behold the kingdom of golden arches, where Big Macs reign supreme, salty fries slide into ubiquitous red containers, and McFlurries dance on taste buds all year long.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zesty. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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