1
as in valuable
commanding a large price
diamonds and other precious stones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cherished
granted special treatment or attention
parents who refuse to hear the slightest criticism of their precious children
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dear
having qualities that tend to make one loved
a precious friend for whom I would do anything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 precious
For newer investors or those testing precious metals for the first time, the silver market often feels easier to enter.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
The design of the topper is complex owing to the sheer magnitude of precious gemstones.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Smart storage and some savvy kitchen organization ideas can maximize efficiency and even save you precious meal prep time.
—Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
Other precious metals have had stellar years, too: Platinum futures soared roughly 125%, while palladium futures surged 81%.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precious
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
The design of the topper is complex owing to the sheer magnitude of precious gemstones.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Smart storage and some savvy kitchen organization ideas can maximize efficiency and even save you precious meal prep time.
—Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
Other precious metals have had stellar years, too: Platinum futures soared roughly 125%, while palladium futures surged 81%.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precious
Adjective
-
But Johnson was quick to remind players that, while adrenaline and desire are valuable, details become the separator in big games.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Although the divorce left Cher with limited immediate wealth, the royalty agreement proved to be valuable in the long-term, reportedly earning her tens of millions of dollars paid out gradually over decades.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
History buffs can come learn more about the most cherished collections on display, such as glowing minerals.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Atlanta will be a cherished checkpoint for fans of what might be college football’s all-time most remarkable tale.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But beyond his professional accomplishments, Andy was a special person and a dear and loyal friend.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Otis… oh, sweet, dear, nerdy Otis.—
Will Harris,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
That would be roughly twice the base price of the company’s most expensive factory model, the Phantom.—
Peter Valdes-Dapena,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Most gamers will look at an expensive keyboard to enhance their play style but often overlook the mouse.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But after 9/11, Tagliabue showed a different side, particularly toward league employees who had lost loved ones in the attacks.—
NPR,
NPR,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Preserving income, insurance and retirement Financial security also depends on preserving income and protecting loved ones.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This includes flouncy midi dresses, romantic blouses, and adorable footwear.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
But no amount of adorable anthropomorphic messaging can account for the screenwriters’ screaming lack of research and zero likable characters.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Kunz says surrounding structures like ceilings, floors, and walls can all need costly repairs once all is said and done.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
-
These water issues suggest potentially costly problems with the foundation, mold, or drainage system.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
There is so much pleasure to be had in rereading old favorites—and part of the joy is meeting beloved characters, who have been updated or somehow arrive in a new form to resist old tropes and types.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Due to the notoriety of the locally beloved sandwich, IndyStar recently held a Tenderloin Tournament to find the establishment that serves the best tenderloin in Indiana.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precious. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share