peppery

1 of 2

adjective

pep·​pery ˈpe-p(ə-)rē How to pronounce peppery (audio)
Synonyms of pepperynext
1
: of, relating to, or having the qualities of pepper : hot, pungent
a peppery taste
2
: having a hot temper : touchy
a peppery boss
3
: fiery, stinging
a peppery satire
pepperiness
ˈpe-p(ə-)rē-nəs How to pronounce peppery (audio)
noun

pepperiness

2 of 2

noun

pep·​per·​i·​ness -rēnə̇s How to pronounce pepperiness (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or state of being peppery

Synonyms of peppery

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Adjective

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Examples of peppery in a Sentence

Adjective She's a peppery, outspoken woman. the author of several peppery diatribes on religious intolerance
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.
Adjective
Green olives, meanwhile, tend to be firmer and more briny, peppery and slightly more bitter. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 July 2026 Radishes Radishes are root vegetables (specifically taproots) with a peppery flavor, vitamin C, and fiber. — Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 10 July 2026 Smoked paprika, black pepper, and hot sauce give it a peppery twist, and when tucked into a buttery croissant, the whole salad is simply irresistible. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 Rather than the peppery brightness of the original, this version leans toward a woodier, warmer tone. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for peppery

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peppery was in 1610

Browse Nearby Words

pepperwort
peppery
pep pill
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Cite this Entry

“Peppery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peppery. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

peppery

adjective
pep·​pery ˈpep-(ə-)rē How to pronounce peppery (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the qualities of pepper : hot
2
: having a hot temper
3
: fiery sense 3a

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