cherish

verb

ˈcher-ish How to pronounce cherish (audio)
Definition of cherishnext
1
as in to love
to feel passion, devotion, or tenderness for promised to love and cherish her husband forever

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to treasure
to hold dear we shall always cherish the keepsakes that our grandmother left us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to have
to keep in one's mind or heart after all these years, she still cherishes the memory of her first summer romance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Heirloom seeds are cherished in the gardening community for their historical significance and role in promoting biodiversity. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026 But for lifelong fans who cherish the music, the movie delivers. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026 Your countries are stellar, respected and cherished by most Americans. —Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 The Rapids finished with 61% possession, one of the numbers Wells cherishes most from game to game. —Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cherish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cherish
  1. love
  2. treasure
  3. have
  4. adore
  5. appreciate
  6. hold
  7. value
  8. retain
Verb
  • Decadents love and mourn the fall of Rome.
    — Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • The future has finally arrived in Orange County, and the raucous sellout crowds that have supported this team all season long are loving the return of playoff hockey for the team that won California’s first Stanley Cup in 2007.
    — Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Definition of love
Verb
  • The trail’s paths are treasured by locals and tourists alike, with more than half a million users exploring them in 2024.
    — Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In fact, it's believed that wooden spoons served a functional purpose as far back as the Paleolithic Era, and many home cooks treasure them today.
    — Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
Definition of treasure
Verb
  • Given the risks and the uncertainty around all aspects of the war, Kashkari said the Fed may even have to raise rates.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 4 May 2026
  • Plummer even had time to throw, as the offensive line held up in protection and kept the quarterback upright then entire game.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • Alexander said the children adore Chapman.
    — Graham Womack May 3, Sacbee.com, 3 May 2026
  • Hummingbirds adore the red varieties, while native bees and butterflies are always buzzing about the blooms.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2026
Definition of adore
Verb
  • Libras can be superficial because the sign is ruled by Venus, which appreciates beauty, as Sarah calls Bonnie out for after her surgery.
    — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026
  • Thyme is another plant that doesn't appreciate moisture or humidity.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 May 2026
Definition of appreciate
Verb
  • Carl Wilson held a lead Tuesday night in the special election for a City Council seat on Manhattan’s West Side against Lindsey Boylan, in what has shaped up as a proxy battle in the ongoing power struggle between Mayor Mamdani and Council Speaker Julie Menin.
    — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The conspiracy charge holds a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, while the kidnapping charge is punishable by up to 20 years.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of hold
Verb
  • Alphabet announced plans to raise its AI spending, but also exhibited an ability to monetize AI through ad revenue and demand for cloud contract services, with a backlog of deals valued at $460 billion, according to the company’s earnings results.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
  • This fourth season was the series’ most ambitious, both in its set pieces (shoot-outs, car chases) and in its interrogation of what its characters value and love, and if Dark Winds can keep mixing up the flavor of Leaphorn and Chee’s foes, its forecast looks good.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 May 2026
Definition of value
Verb
  • Westin also produced an RBI single, while Augustana recruit JT Iles came through with a two-run double for the Thunderbolts (9-11), who with the win retained the Zabrocki Cup — the traveling trophy for the rivalry.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • The country also retains significant tanker capacity — equivalent to roughly 37 very large crude carriers — both inside and outside the blockade.
    — Anthony Di Paola, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Definition of retain

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Cite this Entry

“Cherish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cherish. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cherish

Nglish: Translation of cherish for Spanish Speakers

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