zesty

adjective

ˈze-stē How to pronounce zesty (audio)
zestier; zestiest
Synonyms of zesty
: having or characterized by zest : appealingly piquant or lively
a zesty sauce
zesty humor
zestily
ˈze-stə-lē How to pronounce zesty (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of zesty

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Examples of zesty in a Sentence

bland pasta that needs a zesty sauce
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Chef Williams Saurina adds his own touches, with novel spins on ceviche, zesty salsas flecked with pumpkin seeds, and aromatic Tikin Xic (sea bass with recado rojo, made from local achiote, wrapped in totomoxtle leaf). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026 Five-Spice Pumpkin Bread This Five-Spice Pumpkin Bread takes a bold twist on the traditional recipe with roasted Autumn Frost squash and a zesty five-spice powder instead of classic pumpkin spice. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2026 Combine with colorful veggies, nuts, seeds, and a zesty dressing. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2026 New materials were also offered, with a striking feathery silver leather and a zesty polka-dot Vichy check canvas. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zesty

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zesty was in 1826

Rhymes for zesty

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Browse Nearby Words

zestful
zesty
zeta
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Cite this Entry

“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zesty. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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