zest crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on "zest crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "zest crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PEEL: The outer rind of a citrus fruit, often used for flavor. This is a common meaning of zest.
ZEAL: Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective, very similar to one meaning of zest.
5 Letters
GUSTO: Vigorous and hearty enjoyment or appreciation, often used interchangeably with zest regarding enthusiasm.
VERVE: Energy, spirit, or enthusiasm, especially in artistic performance or composition. Another strong synonym for zest.
6 Letters
SPIRIT: The nonphysical part of a person, often used to denote liveliness, energy, or enthusiasm.
10 Letters
ENTHUSIASM: Intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval. A broader term for the lively energy implied by zest.
More About "zest crossword clue"
The word "zest" is fascinating in its dual meaning, which makes it a popular and sometimes tricky crossword clue. On one hand, it refers to the flavorful outer skin of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes. This thin layer is packed with aromatic oils and is often grated or peeled to add a bright, fresh flavor to dishes, drinks, and desserts. In this context, answers like PEEL or RIND are appropriate.
On the other hand, "zest" describes a great enthusiasm, energy, or spirited enjoyment for life or an activity. This vibrant, lively quality is what gives someone or something a particular charm or appeal. When your clue leans towards this meaning, you might be looking for words such as GUSTO, SPIRIT, VERVE, or ENTHUSIASM. Always consider the full context of the clue and any crossing letters to determine which interpretation of "zest" the puzzle setter intends.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: For clues like "zest," pay close attention to any other words in the clue. Do they suggest food, emotions, or a personal quality? This will narrow down the possibilities.
- Check Letter Count: Once you have a potential answer, always verify its letter count against the empty squares in your puzzle. This is a primary filtering method for multi-meaning words.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword setters often use synonyms (like GUSTO for zest) or antonyms (if the clue implies the opposite of zest) to guide you. Think broadly about related concepts.
- Use Crossing Letters: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by checking how it fits with other completed words in the grid. If it creates valid words for the intersecting clues, you're likely correct.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'zest' mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'zest' commonly refers to either the flavorful outer rind of a citrus fruit (like lemon or orange) or a lively enthusiasm, energy, or spirit. The context of the clue usually dictates which meaning is intended.
Are there common synonyms for 'zest' in crosswords?
Yes, depending on the intended meaning, common synonyms for 'zest' in crosswords include PEEL, RIND (for the fruit meaning), and GUSTO, SPIRIT, VERVE, ELAN, PEP, or ZEAL (for the enthusiasm meaning).
How can I tell if 'zest' refers to a feeling or a food ingredient?
Look for contextual clues. If the clue mentions 'flavor,' 'lemon,' 'orange,' or 'cooking,' it likely refers to the fruit ingredient. If it mentions 'energy,' 'liveliness,' 'spirit,' or 'enthusiasm,' it points to the emotional meaning. The number of letters in the required answer will also be a strong indicator.