zesty

adjective

ˈze-stē How to pronounce zesty (audio)
Definition of zestynext
as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses bland pasta that needs a zesty sauce

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Made with a base of sparkling wine and zesty Valencia orange juice, this effervescent wine is bright, dry, and refreshing. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026 With its golden crust, creamy filling, and zesty lime finish, the treat offers endless inspiration for your next manicure. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 June 2026 Available in black, white, olive green, and a zesty chartreuse hue with subtle floral stitching, the tote is an ideal companion for work commutes, travel days, beach outings, and even as a diaper bag alternative. — Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 Last summer, Gigi Hadid styled a zesty citrus pair with a playful mini dress, while Dakota Johnson wore a pair while vacationing in Ibiza with Kate Hudson. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for zesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zesty
  1. spicy
  2. piquant
  3. delicious
  4. pungent
  5. zingy
  6. salty
Adjective
  • Just toss the wedges with some oil, and season with the spicy salt.
    — Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 6 July 2026
  • Yassine Bounou had to deal with a couple of spicy crosses and made one really good save to smother a Tani Oluwaseyi chance.
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • When prepared with skill, shrimp can be tender and sweet, perfect for dipping in tangy, piquant cocktail sauce.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 22 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of piquant
Adjective
  • Whip up a big batch of this delicious chicken salad to have ready to go all week.
    — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
  • That includes delicious deals across lots of furniture and home decor, including bedroom pieces, outdoor gems, and ceramics to uplift any area of your home.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2026
Definition of delicious
Adjective
  • The club is located in Lancaster County, surrounded by chicken and dairy farms that give off a pungent odor of fermenting feed and manure.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • Italian sauvignon blanc offers an alterative that is typically subtler, more textured and less dependent on those pungent aromatics.
    — Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of pungent
Adjective
  • The surprising combination of pasta, pepperoni slices, olives, and bell peppers dressed in a zingy Italian vinaigrette.
    — Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
  • Brands even sell pickle juice on its own, pickle-free, for use in salty, zingy cocktails or refreshing probiotic supplements.
    — Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Definition of zingy
Adjective
  • The 1500 feet-long sculpture, made of 6000 tons of black basalt rock and earth, juts out of the basin and is encrusted with white salt, having been altered over the years by the salty pink water that used to flow there.
    — Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026
  • The terrain is rocky, with vineyards clinging to steep limestone slopes, simultaneously warmed by the sun and cooled by salty Adriatic breezes.
    — Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Definition of salty

Browse Nearby Words

zestless
zesty
zig
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zesty. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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