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Definition of treasurenext
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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

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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
Lyrics celebrate the wide open sea, pirate lore, alcohol, and treasure — ah, the good old days! Sofia Goldstein, SPIN, 2 June 2026 But outside of her beloved sport, starting a family has been one of her greatest treasures. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 2 June 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
  • Unsurprisingly, owing to the brand’s long legacy of crafting exquisite jewels, aesthetics rule at Bulgari hotels.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • The crown jewel here is the Chaîne des Puys, a chain of geologically young dormant volcanoes inactive for 10,000 years.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • The mountain makes a majestic backdrop for Gergeti Trinity Church, a 14th-century gem perched 7,120 feet above sea level.
    Lori Rackl, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • Before Friday’s start, Severino appeared to be hitting a hot streak, surrendering more than two earned runs in just one of his previous six starts, including a seven-inning gem against the Los Angeles Angels on May 21.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The crowd skews more towards families with young children, multi-gen ski trips, and groups who value a spot by the fireplace more than being the first person on the gondola each morning.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The following year, the sale of a stake in the club’s Barca Studios media arm — which the club originally valued at €1billion but is now officially worth much less — helped add Ilkay Gundogan to the squad.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • Engineers had to come up with their own substitutes for some of the basic tools that other developers use to store code, launch websites, and set up servers.
    Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
  • Then the samples sat in an incubator for over 1,000 days, as the researchers focused on their other experiments into how microbes process and store carbon in soil.
    Siddhant Pusdekar, Quanta Magazine, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Kenny Beecham previews the NBA Finals with the New York Knicks waiting for their Western Conference opponent with the San Antonio Spurs coming out to fight for the Larry O'Brien trophy.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 4 June 2026
  • William Karlsson, who already has a cup under his belt for Vegas, did his part in seeking the next trophy.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • In the event of multiple jackpot winners, the jackpot prize will be shared.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 30 May 2026
  • So far, every couple has split the prize.
    Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Not sure why, but MongoDB has been loved all along, unlike fellow enterprise software name Salesforce, which has been disliked.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 May 2026
  • Fans love to gather with family and friends before matches and dance to the rhythms of cumbia music.
    Michelle Kaufman May 29, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • The former officer was accused of secretly stashing millions of dollars in gold bars in his home, according to court documents and two people familiar with his employment history.
    Jeremy Mikula, NBC news, 30 May 2026
  • The three‑zipper layout keeps clothing, tech, and toiletries neatly separated, while interior pockets stash small essentials.
    Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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