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.
Creole mustard is a zesty mix of coarsely ground brown mustard seeds, vinegar, and in some cases, spices such as paprika and cayenne. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026 Inspired by delicious hot-weather dishes, Japanese hiyayakko and Sichuan liangban tofu, this cold tofu dish features a zesty dressing comprising soy sauce, chili crisp, and an abundance of scallions for freshness. — Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 Wrapped in notes of Sichuan pepper, pear, lemon, honey, and musk, rose takes on a quality that’s at once spicy, zesty, fruity, honeyed, and musky. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026 This Best of Beauty Award winner is paired with the equally zesty bergamot right up top, with Earl Grey tea, orange flower, and jasmine mid-notes bringing a calm, sweetly floral freshness to the heart. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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