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
The chicken used here is shredded and has a good kick of spice, though, and that’s offset by a smooth cheese sauce, pico de gallo and a zesty lime crema sauce.
—
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Aug. 2025
The Ghost Pepper rub brings fiery Louisiana spices with ghost pepper heat, while Lemon Pepper offers a zesty, citrusy twist.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
For those seeking out big adventures, zesty romps in nature that will test your mettle, look no further than Eleven’s hut-to-hut multi-day hiking journey.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Pink Lemonade offers a bright, zesty burst of sweet-tangy lemon with a hint of berry bliss, while Dragonfruit Lime brings a tropical twist with citrusy lime and exotic fruit notes, both crisp, vibrant and made to energize your day.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Aug. 2025
The Ghost Pepper rub brings fiery Louisiana spices with ghost pepper heat, while Lemon Pepper offers a zesty, citrusy twist.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
For those seeking out big adventures, zesty romps in nature that will test your mettle, look no further than Eleven’s hut-to-hut multi-day hiking journey.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Pink Lemonade offers a bright, zesty burst of sweet-tangy lemon with a hint of berry bliss, while Dragonfruit Lime brings a tropical twist with citrusy lime and exotic fruit notes, both crisp, vibrant and made to energize your day.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zesty
Adjective
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Earlier this year, Wingstop added crispy chicken tenders to the menu alongside a dozen flavors such as Hawaiian, Cajun, Louisiana rub, spicy Korean Q, atomic, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, and mango habanero.—
George A. Paul,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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Its 3 most popular items served are its signature dish, the avocado smash, its warm chicken & ancients grain bowl, and its Bluestone burrito with spicy potato wedges.—
Gary Stern,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The tequila daisy cocktail, served in a clay cantarito cup smudged with sumac salt, is piquant with ancho verde, mellowed with summer strawberry.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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His piquant style of writing in the unfinished tell-all feels like dropping into a gossip circle in the most glamorous (and cutting) powder room on the planet.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The Bitter Mai is also, improbably, absolutely delicious.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
13 Sep. 2025
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Stanway plays in Kelly on the left wing, who delivers a delicious ball for Russo to head home.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Try to avoid easily perishable foods and anything overly pungent (like tuna or overripe bananas).—
Jessie Beck,
AFAR Media,
16 Sep. 2025
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Once these yellow, red, orange, or cream blooms appear, squirrels will leave them alone due to their strong, pungent odor.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This recipe has everything a great breakfast taco needs: warm fluffy eggs, smoky bits of bacon, and bright zingy salsas.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
24 Aug. 2025
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These fall salad ideas offer ample proof, boasting loads of seasonal produce like roasted butternut squash, colorful bitter greens, and crisp apples, all married by zingy dressings featuring mustard, maple syrup, and more.—
Li Goldstein,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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What's left is a milky, musky scent evocative of sandy skin and salty ocean air.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Bad salad kits have sloppy cuts of vegetables, meager toppings and oily or single-note dressings that are either too salty or just plain bland.—
Jolene Thym,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zesty. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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