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Showing results for zest. Search instead for zeste.
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.

Lemon zest, stirred in at the end, brings everything into focus—the richness of the coconut, the savoriness of the miso, the warmth of the spices.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

She says it not only gave "her zest for life" back – it saved her marriage.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

A microplane is core to the way I cook because I use a lot of lemon zest and grated garlic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Pheoby eager to feel and do through Janie, but hating to show her zest for fear it might be thought mere curiosity.

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.