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Definitions

zest

[zest] / zɛst /
NOUN
taste, flavor; pep, joie de vivre
Synonyms
STRONGEST
flavoring ginger salt seasoning spice
STRONG
bite body charm get-up-and-go guts interest kick nip piquancy punch pungency relish savor snap tang zip
Antonyms
STRONG
apathy blandness boredom dullness idleness lethargy
WEAK
indifference laziness
NOUN
energy, gusto
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appetite enthusiasm fervor passion
STRONG
ardor bliss bounce cheer delectation delight eagerness ecstasy elation enjoyment guts happiness keenness moxie pep pleasure relish satisfaction zeal zing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
apathy coolness dislike hatred indifference
STRONG
depression dissatisfaction gloom hate lethargy melancholy misery need pain sadness sorrow trouble unhappiness want woe
WEAK
blandness dullness laziness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I add a pinch of salt to the yogurt along with the zest and sweetener.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

He recommends chicken piccata, a bright and acidic dish that’s heavy on butter, capers, lemon juice and lemon zest.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

"He no longer had any zest for life," Josee Poissant told AFP.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

As Helen Zoe Veit tells it in “Picky,” a “childish” appetite used to be one characterized by zest and indiscrimination.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

My dad was won over by my mom's zest for adventure and her independent spirit.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Vocabulary lists containing zest

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A Culinary Vocabulary Sampler

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Words to Know Before You Defrost the Bird

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!