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.

Simply add a pinch of lemon zest, Chavez says.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 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

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

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi