relish

American  

[rel-ish] / ˈrɛl ɪʃ /

noun

1. liking or enjoyment of the taste of something.

   Synonyms:

   zest, gusto

   Antonyms:

   disfavor, distaste

2. pleasurable appreciation of anything; liking.

   He has no relish for obscene jokes.

   Synonyms:

   preference, predilection, partiality, inclination, zest, gusto

   Antonyms:

   disfavor, distaste

3. Cooking.

   1. something savory or appetizing added to a meal, as pickles or olives.

   2. a sweet pickle made of various vegetables, usually chopped or minced.

   3. an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre.

   Synonyms:

   appetizer, condiment

4. a pleasing or appetizing flavor.

5. a pleasing or enjoyable quality.

6. a taste or flavor.

   Synonyms:

   savor

7. a smack, trace, or touch of something.

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verb (used with object)

1. to take pleasure in; like; enjoy.

   I don't relish the long drive home.

   Synonyms:

   appreciate

2. to make pleasing to the taste.

3. to like the taste of.

verb (used without object)

1. to have taste or flavor.

2. to be agreeable.

relish British  

/ ˈrɛlɪʃ /

verb

1. to savour or enjoy (an experience) to the full

2. to anticipate eagerly; look forward to

3. to enjoy the taste or flavour of (food, etc); savour

4. to give appetizing taste or flavour to (food), by or as if by the addition of pickles or spices

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noun

1. liking or enjoyment, as of something eaten or experienced (esp in the phrase with relish )

2. pleasurable anticipation

   he didn't have much relish for the idea

3. an appetizing or spicy food added to a main dish to enhance its flavour

4. an appetizing taste or flavour

5. a zestful trace or touch

   there was a certain relish in all his writing

6. music (in English lute, viol, and keyboard music of the 16th and 17th centuries) a trilling ornament, used esp at cadences

Other Word Forms

• relishable adjective
• relishingly adverb
• self-relish noun
• unrelishable adjective
• unrelished adjective
• unrelishing adjective

Etymology

Origin of relish

First recorded in 1520–30; alteration of Middle English reles “aftertaste, scent,” from Old French, variant of relais “remainder, that left behind”; release

Example Sentences

But when those agendas conflict, these justices seem to relish the opportunity to remind the president that they can still tell him no anytime they please.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

It’s an unusual spot to be in, caught between the past and future, while never being able to relish the present.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

The forwards took the fight to France with relish, thumping into contact, scuttling several scrums and making the driving maul a weapon against a heavier pack.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Others relish the chance to go toe-to-toe with a dealmaking foe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

And she did not relish following in his footsteps.

From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill

Related Words

• admire
• cherish
• delight in
• enjoy
• go for
• prefer
• revel in
• savor