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
Notes of citrus, white florals, and tropical fruits create a zesty, subtly sweet aroma that's perfect for the balmy months ahead.
—
Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
These vanilla sandwich cookies had a hint of cinnamon-ginger spice and a zesty lemon creme filling.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Jan. 2026
Renowned for its aromatic leaves and zesty fruit, this unique tree not only adds a refreshing burst of flavor and zest to your favorite dishes but also brings a touch of the tropics to your growing space.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Jan. 2026
While typical pesto is a bright, earthy green, this zesty version gives it a bold red hue, echoing its' punchy and bold flavor.
—Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
These vanilla sandwich cookies had a hint of cinnamon-ginger spice and a zesty lemon creme filling.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Jan. 2026
Renowned for its aromatic leaves and zesty fruit, this unique tree not only adds a refreshing burst of flavor and zest to your favorite dishes but also brings a touch of the tropics to your growing space.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Jan. 2026
While typical pesto is a bright, earthy green, this zesty version gives it a bold red hue, echoing its' punchy and bold flavor.
—Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zesty
Adjective
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Squirrels cannot stand this spicy smell and will steer clear of your garden or home.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
10 Feb. 2026
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Pair it with their signature warm nuts drenched in Tap Roots’ homemade spicy maple syrup, which is destined to put the hot honey craze to shame once word gets out.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These pieces are flavor bombs, imparting salty, piquant, umami goodness into your soup.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The comments section features a piquant blend of solemnity, mortification, tastelessness, and transphobia, which accords with Moreschi’s reception in his lifetime.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Expect a whimsical yet extensive drinks program here, including surprisingly delicious non-alcoholic cocktail concoctions.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
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All of the flavors—Thousand Island dressing, Worcestershire sauce, spicy-brown mustard, hot sauce—come together in one delicious recipe.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The pungent fumes from the foam engulfed the air as activists waded through the toxic water.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
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Rosemary, Salvia rosmarinus, is a perennial staple in the herb garden with aromatic, pungent needle-like leaves.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This year kicked off with an unlikely nail color trend: a zingy, red-tinged orange.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
10 Jan. 2026
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Herbal ginger tea is a zingy swap.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
23 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Whole Foods’ Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are also getting a fresh new Valentine’s look, for those in search of a rich and salty treat.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2026
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With a nice balance of milk chocolate and peanut butter, and a peanut butter filling that wasn’t too sweet or too salty, this was the easy favorite for our editors.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zesty. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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