Definition of treasurenext
1
2
as in gem
someone or something unusually desirable in thanking them for their contributions, the mayor referred to the volunteers at the homeless shelter as the city's greatest treasures

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

treasure

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word treasure different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of treasure are appreciate, cherish, prize, and value. While all these words mean "to hold in high estimation," treasure emphasizes jealously safeguarding something considered precious.

a treasured memento

When is appreciate a more appropriate choice than treasure?

The words appreciate and treasure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appreciate often connotes sufficient understanding to enjoy or admire a thing's excellence.

appreciates fine wine

In what contexts can cherish take the place of treasure?

The words cherish and treasure can be used in similar contexts, but cherish implies a special love and care for something.

cherishes her children above all

When is it sensible to use prize instead of treasure?

The meanings of prize and treasure largely overlap; however, prize implies taking a deep pride in something one possesses.

Americans prize their freedom

When could value be used to replace treasure?

While in some cases nearly identical to treasure, value implies rating a thing highly for its intrinsic worth.

values our friendship

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 treasure
Noun
Guests were handed raffle tickets for designer handbags, Cartier watches and other treasures fit for royalty. Bryan West, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Dolly doubles down on Tennessee National treasure Dolly Parton's latest love letter to Nashville, Tennessee, is the 12-story, 245-room SongTeller Hotel, which opens later this year. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
Verb
The storied tree is treasured not only for its age, stature and beauty, but for connections to the legend of Robin Hood, said to have hidden along with his band of outlaws inside the trunk to escape the Sheriff of Nottingham. Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 19 June 2026 Books represent truth, facts, analysis, all values that should be treasured and embraced but are now under assault in some quarters. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • With each passing day that the jewels remain missing, fears grow that these pieces of French national heritage have been dismantled, their famed emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds cut apart and sold on the black market.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2026
  • Considered the jewel of the offseason Ryan Weathers trade with the Yankees, Lewis is second in the Southern League with 17 homers.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • Those who get lost in the new-wave draft shuffle are the promising high school prospects and the junior college gems.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • Tim Lincecum threw the second no-hitter in 11 days, a gem saved by a spectacular diving catch by right fielder Hunter Pence in the San Francisco Giants’ 9-0 win against the last-place San Diego Padres.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Empathy and active listening appear among the 10 core skills employers value most, alongside analytical thinking, resilience and creativity.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • But this view risks fetishizing embodiment and emotion, much the same way that previous generations valued reason and language to an outsized degree to prove that humans are distinct from animals.
    Meghan O’Gieblyn, The New York Review of Books, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Wipe the blade clean and store the circular saw in a safe location.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
  • The surprisingly spacious material easily stores your essentials, including your phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, and more.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Golden Boot History The top scorer in the World Cup has been recognized since 1930, but the award got an official name and trophy, the Golden Shoe, in 1982.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • France’s departing coach, Didier Deschamps, is already a World Cup great, having won the title as France’s captain in 1998 and led the team to the trophy 20 years later.
    Steve Douglas, AJC.com, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • However small, titles can still come loaded with stars or prizes.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 14 July 2026
  • Nearly 500,000 other Powerball tickets sold in the United States also won prizes ranging from $4 to $100,000, the lottery said.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • More than an intricate game of cat-and-mouse, the crime drama plays on the tensions between nature and nurture while unpacking the dangers and vulnerabilities that come with loving other people.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • All woven together by a master storyteller the right would love and have tried to claim for themselves?
    Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Whether that means keeping your favorite lip gloss on-hand for a touch-up in the car or stashing your favorite jeans into your carry-on for back-up, choose a travel capsule wardrobe that covers every possible activity.
    Minty Mellon, Vogue, 13 July 2026
  • The larger case easily stows a Kindle or iPad Mini, power bank, digital camera, earbuds, and more; the smaller one stashes cords and adapters.
    Morgan Ashley Parker, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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