racy

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈrā-sē 

racier; raciest

1

a

: full of zest or vigor

b

: having a strongly marked quality : piquant

a racy flavor

c

: risqué, suggestive

racy jokes

2

: having the distinctive quality of something in its original or most characteristic form

racily

ˈrā-sə-lē 

adverb

raciness

ˈrā-sē-nəs 

noun

racy

2 of 2

adjective (2)

racier; raciest

: having a body or shape that is suited for racing

a racy dog

a car with racy lines

Synonyms

Adjective (1)

• active
• airy
• animate
• animated
• bouncing
• brisk
• energetic
• frisky
• gay
• jaunty
• jazzy
• kinetic
• lively
• mettlesome
• peppy
• perky
• pert
• pizzazzy
• pizazzy
• snappy
• spanking
• sparky
• spirited
• sprightly
• springy
• vital
• vivacious
• zippy

Choose the Right Synonym for racy

pungent, piquant, poignant, racy mean sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses.

pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors.

a cheese with a pungent odor

piquant suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency.

a piquant sauce

poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions.

felt a poignant sense of loss

racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired.

spontaneous, racy prose

Examples of racy in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

vivid writing and a racy plot that keeps readers turning the pages

a raunchy comedy with language that was a little too racy for an eight-year-old child

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The ample cleavage instantly made the otherwise-demure look feel racy—risqué, even! —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 26 June 2024

In the original, Bobby is a commitment-phobic bachelor with multiple girlfriends – racy in 1970, not so much today. —Jordan Riefe, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 July 2024

In the racy visual, the 36-year-old applies (likely Fenty Beauty) lipgloss, wearing an assortment of heels, jewelry, outerwear, and lingerie. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 30 July 2024

The gentleman pouring a racy chardonnay by Bailly Lapierre, a co-op best known for sparkling wines, had just two words for me: Trader Joe’s. —Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 25 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

race entry 1

Adjective (2)

race entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective (2)

1841, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

racy

1 of 2 adjective

ˈrā-sē 

racier; raciest

1

: full of energy or keen enjoyment

2

: slightly indecent or improper

racy jokes

racily

-sə-lē 

adverb

raciness

-sē-nəs 

noun

racy

2 of 2 adjective

racier; raciest

: being long-bodied and lean