cherish

[cher-ish] / ˈtʃɛr ɪʃ /

VERB

care about deeply

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admire adore appreciate care for cling to cultivate defend embrace encourage enshrine entertain harbor hold dear honor love preserve revere safeguard treasure worship

STRONG

clasp coddle comfort cosset fancy fondle foster guard hug idolize like nourish nurse nurture pet prize reverence shelter shield support sustain value venerate

WEAK

cleave to dote on hold in high esteem

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abhor condemn despise destroy detest dishonor dislike disparage disregard disrespect hate hurt ignore neglect reject scorn

STRONG

deprive let go release starve turn away

WEAK

abandon denounce forsake not care renounce

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It becomes something you cherish and hold on to," he said.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

He hopes you’ll want to take it home, snuggle with it and cherish it as an essential member of your household.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

“We learned early on that we are not just providing delicious New England Chinese food; we are connecting people to the memories they cherish from their childhood,” says Lawlor.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

"We should all cherish what we have been gifted."

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Laughter has become a distant memory and I cherish the echo of a different time.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung

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