Definitions

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.

I really cherish my marriage, and our family, and I just didn’t want to mess it up.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

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

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Call it dystopic or innovative, Prego wants you to cherish — and forever remember — every single mealtime conversation with its limited-edition recording device.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

“We cherish pleasure,” the authors write unabashedly, “and believe a politics without it will be unattractive, drab, listless, and doomed to failure.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

But it had found its complicated way to me, and I would cherish the treasure while I had it.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk

Vocabulary lists containing cherish

Love Letter Words for Valentine's Day

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The Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet"

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Metamorphosis

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!