Cherish

v. kind, thoughtful warm

What it means

To hold someone, something, or a memory in deep and careful affection.

Reach for it when expressing enduring value that includes attention and protection

They cherish the recipe book because it carries four generations of notes.

Words to choose between 6

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
warm
professional
formal
literary
  • everyday

    appreciate

    Fits when gratitude for worth or benefit is central

    Careful Appreciation can be mild and does not imply protective devotion.

  • everyday

    love

    Fits when deep affection should be stated plainly

    Careful Love states deep affection but may omit the attentive appreciation involved in cherishing.

  • warm

    treasure

    Fits when something feels precious and irreplaceable

    Careful Treasure can focus on possession more than an ongoing loving relationship.

  • professional

    value

    Fits when importance and respect need a restrained tone

    Careful Value sounds analytical and may lack emotional closeness.

  • formal

    revere

    Fits when affection is joined by profound respect

    Careful Reverence creates distance and is too solemn for many close relationships.

  • literary

    hold dear

    Fits when enduring personal affection suits a graceful phrase

    Careful The expression can feel too sentimental in practical writing.

Opposites 3

  • despise
  • neglect
  • discard

Common phrases 3

  • cherish a memory

    She will cherish the memory of their dawn walk.

  • cherish deeply

    The community cherishes deeply the volunteers who rebuilt the hall.

  • cherish every moment

    They tried to cherish every moment of the brief reunion.

Word family 1

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated