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
Could Rogers — a treasure hunter with a metal detector in Overland Park — help? Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 The married couple were looking for treasures at the Cyclorama Antiques Show while in Boston for a medical conference. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
We Baltimoreans treasure the role the 1814 battle played in repelling the mighty British forces, which were forced to abandon their siege of Fort McHenry. Michel A. Ibrahim, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2026 The Ritz-Carlton is the gold standard of hospitality, and Merit’s formulas are treasured among A-listers like Martha Stewart and Katie Holmes for good reason. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • These programs,the crown jewels of public diplomacy, also happen to be cheap.
    James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Though most wouldn’t associate diamonds with crystal healing, Huang says the rare jewels—which Aries and Taurus both count among their birthstones—actually hold a meaning of their own.
    Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • And that’s without factoring in what had, until my most recent visit to this bit of the Lincolnshire coast in 2024, been a hidden gem.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Both teams turned in defensive gems in the second inning, though only one resulted in an out.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • According to the market-research firm Data Bridge, the longevity- and wellness-biotech industry was valued at almost $5 billion in 2024.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Founded by a former lawyer turned bookseller and Pasadena native Dan Whitmore, the store is doing brisk business among a younger clientele that still values the tactile pleasures to be found from beautiful books.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • According to the medical examiner's office, the bodies were improperly stored at the funeral home and were in various states of decomposition at the time.
    Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The Toyokawa Naval Arsenal was a key military site for the Japanese Imperial Army to store arms and munitions.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Villa go in as considerable underdogs — 7/2 to win in normal time and 2/1 to lift the trophy — and pulling it off would represent another big result in what has already been a landmark year for the club.
    Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • For one thing, wild places are increasingly threatened by the trophy-hunting industry, scientific study, and corporate exploitation.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Combined with more money than ever from domestic prize-money distributions, the Premier League’s middle has probably never been stronger.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The overall Powerball jackpot is now nearly $1 billion and will be the eighth-largest prize in Powerball history.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Corey Holland, Kamarie’s father, said his daughter was an exuberant 5-year-old who loved princesses and made people laugh.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Would love to see a Dorgu-esque signing at both CDM and LB this month.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Multiple internal and external compartments keep you ultra-organized; and there’s a dedicated laptop pocket for stashing your computer.
    Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
  • They can be prepared quickly or dehydrated and stashed in the pantry.
    Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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