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.

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

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

A new study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly shows that young men who favor the trad lifestyle don’t honor and cherish tradwives — they hold them in contempt.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

“They must grab it and cherish it. They can do it easily,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

I remember and now cherish the spine-tingling moments in debates where someone changed their mind before my very eyes.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

“I mourn my dwindling time, but I cherish the chance it gives me to make things right.”

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom

Vocabulary lists containing cherish

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The Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet"

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Metamorphosis

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