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 Continue reading … HOPE FOR FREEDOM — Iranian-American winemaking family cherishes the USA — and wants positive change for the people of Iran. —FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026 Given his ties to the region, Every cherished the annual PGA Tour stop in Orlando. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026 Tatum will undoubtedly cherish being back on the court. —Jay King, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Here's how the viral 'Coop on the Stoop' videos launched the O'Brien family to internet fame and inspired parents to cherish quality time together. —Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 3 Mar. 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
  • Dan Rockmore The mathematician Paul Lockhart believes to his core that math is the purest of the arts, and anyone can learn to love it.
    — Giri Nathan, The New York Review of Books, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Additional fun kid-friendly options include a ramen-making class at nearby Musoshin and traditional kimono dressing and hair styling, which my dress-up loving daughter adored, paired with a lively rickshaw ride.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of love
Verb
  • Leonard awarded himself and his team about 90 minutes after Selection Sunday to treasure the moment before the court was cleared and a practice took place.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Laird said the experience has encouraged him to treasure every moment.
    — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of treasure
Verb
  • Some runways really have that brain chemistry-altering power, and the spectacle that Marc Jacobs created for the Louis Vuitton fall 2012 show is one such example.
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
  • According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the 41-year-old had a criminal history and his temporary legal status had expired.
    — Marissa Armas, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • Toward the end, Chino started feeling the rock & roll energy and leapt offstage, crowd-surfing into adoring fans.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum Santal Blush isn’t the only Tom Ford scent that Taylor adores.
    — Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of adore
Verb
  • Her books focus on themes of encouraging kindness, self-worth, friendship, love, family, respect, resilience, inclusion and appreciating cultural heritage.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
  • People really appreciate not only the deeper cuts, but the songs that have a linear story.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of appreciate
Verb
  • The funeral prayer for the 41-year-old Afghan father of six who died Saturday in ICE custody was held Tuesday while more questions arise about why he was picked up and what caused his death less than a day later.
    — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Mar. 2026
  • This year, The Roots Picnic will be held at Belmont Plateau— a change from last year's venue that faced significant issues with long entry lines and rainy conditions.
    — Caché McClay, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of hold
Verb
  • Their unpaid labor is valued at $600 billion annually, more than all out-of-pocket health spending in the country combined.
    — Neal K. Shah, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The men stole dozens of jewelry pieces, valued at approximately $20,000, according to the DA’s office.
    — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of value
Verb
  • For now, King retains his longtime employees, who, in the wake of the lawsuits and investigations, receive higher wages.
    — Boyce Upholt, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Such materials are known to be able to store data and retain state without power (like flash memory).
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of retain

Browse Nearby Words

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cherish
cherished
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Cite this Entry

“Cherish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cherish. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cherish

Nglish: Translation of cherish for Spanish Speakers

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