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Definition of treasurenext
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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

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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
But Mare also feels like a whimsical sculpture park, with treasures like a monumental ceramic fountain by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot and a massive bronze pineapple by British artist Rose Wylie. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026 Home Farm is a place with soul, and one that, once stumbled upon, feels like a treasure find. Sarah Leigh Bannerman, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
Verb
Sterling’s call for a player’s home run became as treasured a part of a Yankees identity as an initial set of pinstripes or a championship ring. Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026 John treasured his role as the voice of the New York Yankees, and his enthusiasm for the art of broadcasting perfectly complemented our city and our fans. Ronald Blum, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • The 1 3/16-mile long race is the middle jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • Alexis Corbière and Alexandre Portier, the French MPs overseeing the government commission investigating the shocking October 19, 2025, Louvre jewel heist, have accused the museum of deprioritizing security at the museum.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Despite the location in central Granite Bay, which is close to schools and cart-riding distance from the community’s golf club, many locals don’t realize Higgins’ gem is even there.
    David Caraccio May 23, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2026
  • Trojan’s starting pitcher Zach Ryan twirled a gem against the Indians allowing two unearned runs on five hits in six complete innings, but Ryan began to tire and walked Bodie Davis and Cole Koeninger to start the bottom of the seventh.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • Many factors go into how a player is valued.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Online fast-fashion retailer Shein is said to be acquiring Everlane, the apparel brand known for its sustainability ethos, in a deal valuing the company at $100 million, according to information shared by Reuters.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Among the few thousand photographs stored in the house, Djena appeared in fewer than forty.
    Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • The vineyard is currently leased to a local winemaker, offering a hands-off approach to production, though the resulting vintages can be stored in the home’s custom wine cellar, which accommodates up to 1,880 bottles.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Alexia Putellas has won more trophies for Barcelona than any other player in club history, male or female, and her contract expires this summer.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • After winning the contest in 1987, Jordan took home consecutive trophies after besting rival Dominique Wilkins with an unforgettable dunk from the free-throw line.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • California adjusts lottery prizes based on the number of tickets sold and number of winners.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026
  • Growth, in the end, may be the greater prize, and an outcome not as reliant on a few bounces one summer afternoon.
    Leander Schaerlaeckens, New Yorker, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • The Hoka Bondi 9 is universally loved by athletes, casual walkers, and travelers for its impressive comfort.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
  • Travel Wise getty images Those who love hitting the road during summer would be wise to remember that the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days for driving.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Its side pockets—a rare find in cute dresses—are perfect for stashing your everyday essentials.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
  • Try MyRecipes, our digital recipe box, to stash and organize all your favorite Better Homes & Gardens recipes.
    Kelsey Ogletree, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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