Adjectives That Start With Z

There aren't many adjectives that start with "z." In fact, there aren't many English words at all that start with the letter "z." Several of those that do exist tend to be very informal, or even slang. Sometimes slang helps to convey intended meaning with precision. Plus, the more you use slang terms, the more common they become. Some favorite slang words even go on to enter the mainstream language and become legitimate vocabulary.

alphabet letter z

30 Adjectives That Start With Z

Learn some new Z adjectives and use them with pride. They may be few in number and you won't find many of them used in everyday conversation, but they still have plenty of meaning to convey. Using descriptive Z words can help enhance your vocabulary and improve your writing.

Adjective	Definition	Synonyms
zaftig	having a full, shapely figure; said of a woman	curvaceous, curvy, buxom
zany	comical in an extravagantly ludicrous or slapstick manner	quirky, eccentric
zappy	moving at a fast pace with high energy	energetic, lively
zazzy	shiny or flashy	sparkly, showy
zealous	full of, characterized by, or showing zeal; ardently devoted to a purpose	fervent, enthusiastic
zero	absence of or present in a quantity so small as to be unmeasurable	nil, none
zeroth	prior to the first thing in a series	antecedent
zestful	filled with enthusiasm; having high spirits	exuberant, eager
zesty	full of zest, energetic, active; spicy in flavor	frisky, tangy, piquant
zen	very relaxed and calming; high level of awareness	peaceful, enlightened
zibeline	of or having to do with a sable (the animal)	sable, sable-like
zigzag	having a series of short, sharp angles or turns in alternate directions	twisty, crooked
zillionth	referring to something that's happened a countless number of times	uncountable, enormous
zinciferous	yielding, producing, or containing zinc	ferrous (in relation to zinc)
zingy	pleasantly stimulating to the senses	flavorful, spicy
zippy	full of vim and energy; brisk	peppy, energetic
zodiacal	of or related to the zodiac system	astrological
zoetic	of or pertaining to life	organic, biologic, alive
zoic	of or pertaining to animals or animal life	animal
zonal	area that’s separated into different zones	divisions, segmentation
zoning	dividing areas into zones (voting districts; land usage restrictions)	districting, outlining
zonked	completely tired; lacking energy to do anything else	exhausted, worn out
zoogenic	caused by or starting in animals, as a disease	zoogenous, zoonotic
zoological	of, pertaining to, or concerned with animals	fauna, animal life
zoophagous	animal that feeds on other animals; carnivorous	flesh-eating, meat-eating
zooty	extremely flamboyant style	snazzy, over-the-top
zygomatic	anatomical term referring to the zygoma area of the face; zygomatic bone, zygomatic arch	cheekbone, malar bone
zygomorphic	botanical term referring to a single level of symmetry; plants that have identical halves	bilateral symmetry, mirror image
zymoid	biochemistry term related to fermenting; characteristics similar to enzyme	catalyst, accelerator
zymolytic	causing fermentation or related to fermentation	zymotic, zymolytic

Example Sentences With Z Adjectives

Many of these Z adjectives aren’t terms you hear often in everyday conversation. That’s part of their appeal. Review a few example sentences using some of the adjectives that start with "z" to get ideas of how you can work these terms into your writing or speech.

Kim Kardashian's zaftig figure is the goal for many women embarking on a new workout routine.
Melissa McCarthy's zany ways can captivate an audience for hours.
Do you love my zazzy new shoes?
Her zealous pursuit for a new beginning will make her endeavors a success.
His zen disposition is very appealing.
Have you met our new neighbor? She's rather zesty and full of life.
Her zibeline coat is sure to offend animal lovers.
Our camp counselor told us if we were being chased by a crocodile, we should run in a zigzag pattern.
This is the zillionth time she's asked to borrow money.
This well produces water that is far too zinciferous to drink.
My zingy exchange with my boss left me feeling like I can do anything.
No doubt her zippy disposition helped land her that job.
Her zoetic awakening has inspired others to be the best they can be.
Our day at the aquarium was full of zoic adventures.
After a day like today, I'm completely zonked.
This unnamed disease certainly has zoogenic origins.
Our zoological pursuits through the safari were exhilarating.
That zoophagous lion is going to eat that poor, defenseless animal.
Take that zygomatic blush brush away from my face, I look like a clown!
Her zymolytic attempt at making beer was a success.

Get Descriptive With Adjectives

Going through the alphabet, letter by letter, can help you compile a long list of adjectives. Craft a personal list of adjectives that start with "z" and other letters, so you'll have a resource at hand to help you expand your vocabulary and diversify your writing. Consider putting a good ol' fashioned pen to paper and record an adjective list for the ages. The act of writing will help them stick in your mind. Then, when you set out to share your talents with the world, you'll be able to paint your prose with elegance and grace.

Enhance Your Writing With Adjectives

No matter what letter they start with, adjectives are descriptive terms that can help you enhance your writing. Now that you know some of the adjectives that start with "z," consider developing a deeper knowledge of how to enhance your writing through the use of descriptive terminology. Explore the various types of adjectives and consider how they can enhance your writing. Once you have spent some time studying, test your knowledge with an adjective quiz.

Beth Parent

Certified teacher