cherish

Definition of cherishnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word cherish different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of cherish are appreciate, prize, treasure, and value. While all these words mean "to hold in high estimation," cherish implies a special love and care for something.

cherishes her children above all

When can appreciate be used instead of cherish?

In some situations, the words appreciate and cherish are roughly equivalent. However, appreciate often connotes sufficient understanding to enjoy or admire a thing's excellence.

appreciates fine wine

When would prize be a good substitute for cherish?

The synonyms prize and cherish are sometimes interchangeable, but prize implies taking a deep pride in something one possesses.

Americans prize their freedom

Where would treasure be a reasonable alternative to cherish?

Although the words treasure and cherish have much in common, treasure emphasizes jealously safeguarding something considered precious.

a treasured memento

When could value be used to replace cherish?

The meanings of value and cherish largely overlap; however, value implies rating a thing highly for its intrinsic worth.

values our friendship

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cherish Even though the ink wouldn’t dry on our divorce papers for a few more years, our vows to love and cherish each other were broken. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026 China has put paid to the idea — long cherished among Western political theorists — that only free minds in open societies can truly innovate, and that, sooner or later, authoritarian regimes like China’s will stall out. Andy Browne, semafor.com, 19 Jan. 2026 This island's quiet delights attract new visitors while locals cherish its pristine scenery. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026 However, Wilson does cherish a sentimental gift from his Cars days. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cherish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cherish
Verb
  • Although honestly, love Tim Hortons, love Montreal, no offense to my Canadian friends.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Changing course Formula E management and drivers would love returning to downtown Miami, where the series raced in 2015.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While dingoes are treasured, they’re also acknowledged as dangerous.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
  • However, his Patek Philippe Nautilus, which was gifted from his father and was worth £120,000,, was his most treasured.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Liam’s father does not appear to have a criminal record in Minnesota, according to Prokosch.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026
  • This rare metal has isotopes — atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons and varying stability — known to have nuclei with complex structures and shapes.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Partenope Ristorante in downtown Dallas and Richardson Phil Rosenthal, star of the Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil, toured through Dallas in late January 2026 and told travel stories to an adoring audience.
    Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Even Floridians who support Israel or adore Ron DeSantis should recognize the danger here.
    Hiba Rahim, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Gleason appreciates Twitter founder Jack Dorsey for And Other Stuff, a $10 million initiative aimed at advancing Nostr and the decentralized web, and lists Shakespeare as one of their projects.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Because weddings often coincide with football weekends, summer festivals, and peak travel seasons, guests appreciate early notice.
    K.H. Koehler, jsonline.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • According to her mother, the group held onto her as long as possible, which gave rescuers time to respond.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Nancy Guthrie’s church community has also been holding her and her family in prayer.
    Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Suddenly, by valuing each life at over $10 million, many regulation’s benefits magically dwarfed the costs.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Extreme Cold Warnings are issued when wind chill values dip below twenty below zero.
    Ron Smiley, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The brand had retained some of its power, buying time, but patience also wore thin.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The cabin in the woods might be gone, replaced with a Ray Harryhausen–style swords-and-sandals epic, but Army of Darkness retains all of the gonzo energy of the previous Evil Dead.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cherish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cherish. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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