PRECIOUS Synonyms: 166 Similar and Opposite Words

precious

adjective

ˈpre-shəs

Definition of precious

as in valuable

commanding a large price diamonds and other precious stones

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Some city and agency officials wondered about the effects of cars speeding past old buildings or museums with precious art inside. — Adam Kilgore, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 There's no point continuing to fight anymore, life is precious. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Sexy Feelings by a Canadian Lake is a genre that allows romance and self-discovery to feel even more precious because time is short. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 Whether someone chooses to diversify with a gold IRA, purchases precious metals directly, or decides to utilize another investment strategy, education remains one of the most valuable tools available. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precious

Adjective

Beyond sitting on some of the most valuable land in South Florida, Indian Creek Country Club is also among the region’s most exclusive clubs.

— Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
This eco-friendly alternative avoids chemical separation and repurposes aviation and industrial scrap into valuable materials for thermal insulation, acoustic absorption, and marine oil spill cleanup.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of valuable

Adjective

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archwell Productions partnered with Beautiful Stories and AJNA Films on the doc about one of America’s most cherished rituals, Girl Scout Cookie season.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
His return ensures continuity for fans of the annual tournament and allows Ravech to maintain a cherished assignment despite significant professional changes.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of cherished

Adjective

But don’t worry, dear reader, Coughlan will not disappear completely from the popular Netflix series, set to be released next year.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
On New Year’s Day, a dear friend — fellow comic and hospitality giant Danny Benavente (Dead Flamingo) — unexpectedly died at age 42 while in Greece.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of dear

Adjective

That matters because finding and developing domestic sources of critical minerals can be expensive, time-consuming, and uncertain.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Diesel, a crucial fuel for the world economy, is 48% more expensive than this time last year.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of expensive

Adjective

Kennedy says that this shift in tone didn’t stem from her personal feelings but from the whistleblowers and the families who lost loved ones.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
The rest of the photos showed Elizabeth side-by-side with her loved ones, including a silly photo of Elizabeth and Collins in a pool.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of loved

Adjective

Heading Straight To The Store A shopping trip is certainly the easiest part of a home project, especially with so many adorable storage organizers on the market.

— Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026
While your pup is adorable, vet visits, grooming, dog food, toys and other everyday costs can add up quickly.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of adorable

Adjective

Innovation rates are often 70% higher with inclusive design and helps ease costly turnover ranging from 50% to twice an employee’s annual salary.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Fields completed 9 of 12 passes for 64 yards while also taking a costly 20-yard sack on a third-and-goal from the Bucs’ 7.

— Jesse Newell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of costly

Adjective

Damage to the remains could complicate evidence The discovery of human remains that set off a firestorm of questions about a possible link to Guthrie developed during an agonizing, monthslong search for the beloved mother.

— Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
In true Richards’ fashion, of course, Kyle transfers her distress into throwing yet another one of her overwrought white parties, whose guest list is filled with a caravan of beloved names in the Bravo-verse.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of beloved

Browse Nearby Words

precincts

precious

precipice

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“Precious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precious. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of precious

adjective

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