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
In her first sketch, Navarrette and Hernandez played the ghost of a couple of 1930s kids on the Queen Mary who keep distracting a tourist from hearing where another ghost’s treasure is hidden. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2026 From her very first screen appearance in King Kong (1976) to unforgettable turns in films like All That Jazz (1979), Tootsie (1982), Cape Fear (1991), Blue Sky (1994), and Big Fish (2003), Lange has become one of American cinema’s great treasures. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
Canes fans need not be reminded, but treasure every moment watching Toney. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 After a brief stint in the transfer portal in January, the former Hawklet stayed in Ann Arbor where his length (6-7, 310) and power in the run game are treasured. — Pj Green september 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • The South Korean star is captured in a demure Safari top or leather blazer donning jewels from Damiani’s Belle Époque and Belle Époque Reel collections, including the signature cross pendent.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • As the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness puts Maryland on an international stage every May.
    — TK Kuegler, Baltimore Sun, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The skin care gem instantly delivers a gorgeous glow, while supporting your lipid barrier and skin cell renewal.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026
  • While Knight’s version was already a rich, uptempo soul gem, Love Affair managed to make the song even bigger.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Its most critical budget item is a donation in the form of space and services from Orange County government valued at about $11,000.
    — Beth Kassab, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Some deals made this year include K9 orders to Spain from Hanwha Aerospace, valued at about 546 million euros, as well as a $922 million order for K239 rocket systems from Norway.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The mix of shapes and sizes gives me plenty of options to store leftovers — from gravy inside the 1-cup bowls to mashed potatoes inside the larger ones.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Instead of sorting products by category, items are placed in any open, available space, then scanned and stored in a computer system.
    — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Before Ronaldo debuted for Portugal by replacing Luís Figo in a 2003 friendly against Kazakhstan, Portugal had never won any major trophies.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In 2022, the Argentine star lifted the World Cup trophy – an achievement many said settled the GOAT (greatest of all time) debate.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Nazz shepherds the queue at an auctioneer’s pace, sometimes joining in and always poking fun, calling upon you to spin the prize wheel that could lead to a free drink or 10 push-ups.
    — Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The awards for Best Director, Actor, Actress and Best Artistic Contribution all came with a cash prize of $1,900 (JPY300,000).
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Insider tip Check the bed for a plush toy, a hotel tradition kids love.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Talarico also reiterated his campaign message of leading with a focus on loving fellow Americans.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Searchers found his niece's remains in a bear cache — a place where bears stash food, sometimes by digging a small hole and covering it with branches and vegetation to keep other animals and birds away.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • For about four decades, a 1930 Georgia O’Keeffe landscape painting was stashed inside a box in the closet of a Manhattan apartment.
    — Sydney Page, Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster