precious

adjective

ˈpre-shəs How to pronounce precious (audio)
Definition of preciousnext
1
as in valuable
commanding a large price diamonds and other precious stones

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Contrast that with some of the football stadia back home built in the last 15-20 years where, beyond the spelling out of a club’s name on the appropriately coloured seats, there’s precious little hint as to who resides there. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 30 July 2026 But Crown’s true motives are to return precious stolen or sold artifacts to their rightful creators. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 29 July 2026 The tomb was filled with precious objects, including the imposing golden collar, which according to Artnews, is made of 24-karat gold, weighs roughly one pound, and dates to the sixth century BCE. — News Desk, Artforum, 27 July 2026 Use this precious space to describe your related skills or experience, not the general importance of the role. — Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for precious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precious
  1. valuable
  2. cherished
  3. dear
  4. expensive
  5. loved
  6. adorable
  7. costly
  8. beloved
Adjective
  • Estate sales often come with financial obligations and deadlines that ordinary consignments do not, which can make certainty particularly valuable.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • That network will offer valuable alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz during times of crisis.
    — Firmesk Rahim, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of valuable
Adjective
  • The Inn at Langley opened in 1989, becoming a cherished getaway for guests craving a blend of island time and all-American charm, only about an hour away from Seattle.
    — Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Universities must evolve into learning organizations, balancing cherished traditions with ongoing institutional renewal to remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world.
    — David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of cherished
Adjective
  • Lindsey Graham was a patriot, a statesman and my dear friend.
    — , FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
  • As a rapper, Rodriguez—real name Ryan Adams, which, dear God—wears his influences on his sleeve.
    — Drew Millard, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
Definition of dear
Adjective
  • Supplies are also getting more expensive, according to a report from The Century Foundation.
    — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The expensive and largely unproven strategy would entail launching a network of satellites that rely on constant energy from the sun to compute data in orbit and beam it down to Earth.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • The Dallas Police Department says a teenager and a young girl who went missing early Wednesday have now been safely located and are being reunited with loved ones.
    — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Others utilize programs for hospice care to look after loved ones, or small-business loans to open a new storefront or hire a new employee.
    — JD Vance, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • The twins looked ultra-adorable in their matching Christmas ensembles in this merry photo the actress shared last December.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
  • This week, the ALDI Finds aisle will offer four different rugs to choose from, all in adorable coquette patterns and colors.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2026
Definition of adorable
Adjective
  • Utility costs are climbing nationwide as demand surges to feed energy-hungry data centers, and climate change spurs costly upgrades.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Li also pushes back on the idea that greener always means costlier.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of costly
Adjective
  • When Bellwood Coffee painted over a Grant Park mural of beloved Atlanta journalist Jovita Moore this April, people were outraged.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Hakai-hen’s mecha anime series lineup was also superb, with my beloved Dancouga included (shown below).
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of beloved

Browse Nearby Words

precincts
precious
precipice
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Cite this Entry

“Precious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precious. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on precious

Nglish: Translation of precious for Spanish Speakers

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