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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
Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered in November 1922 in the Valley of the Kings by the British archaeologist Howard Carter, undisturbed by grave robbers and almost completely intact, nearly 400 miles south of Egypt’s most famous archeological treasures in Giza. Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025 French authorities have arrested seven suspects since the daylight theft of French crown jewels from the museum's Apollo Gallery on October 19, but the priceless treasures remain missing. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
Our overseas relatives followed her example, connecting through regular emails and calls and supporting Amber, who treasured their infrequent visits back to Australia. MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 Either way, for those who treasure stamps as souvenirs of destinations once visited, the change may be hard to stomach. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • Its influence ricocheted through decades of homages, from Madonna to Ryan Gosling, proof that a perfect jewel-box tableau never dulls.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The actor, who portrayed dapper casino thief Danny Ocean in Ocean's Eleven and its sequels, reflected on the audacious burglary in which a group of thieves stole more than $100 million worth of historic jewels from Paris' foremost museum on Sunday.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The psych-pop gem, originally released as Tame Impala’s debut single in 2009, hadn’t appeared on a tour setlist since 2018.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Carved into 50,000 carats of jewels, the aquamarine became a global ambassador for Brazilian craftsmanship, cementing both the country’s reputation for fine gems and Sauer’s name in the industry.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Young stars like Nicolò Barella, Federico Chiesa, and Gianluca Scamacca bring energy and creativity to a squad that still values tactical intelligence and grit.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • And now, OpenAI is, according to news reports, laying the groundwork for an initial public offering that could value the company at up to $1 trillion, in what would be the largest IPO ever and a first for a former nonprofit.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • We, in collaboration with our partners, store and/or access information on a user's device, including but not limited to IP addresses, unique identifiers, and browsing data stored in cookies, in order to process personal data.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2025
  • All the information that Gemini is drawing upon will be culled from the roughly 250 million places stored in Google Maps’ database of reviews accumulated during the past 20 years.
    Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • In 2025, Ohtani is likely to earn another MVP award, adding to his ever-expanding trophy cabinet.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The piece signals transformation, but the spontaneous laugh turns luxury into connection; by the red-gown reveal, the necklace reads less like a trophy and more like a charm that’s worked.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This novel was nominated for the Booker prize in 2021 and was praised for being genre-bending.
    Amber McBride, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • California adjusts lottery prizes based on the number of tickets sold and the number of winners.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to Hemsworth, Chalotra and Allan reprising their starring roles, season 5 of The Witcher will likely feature other characters fans have grown to love.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Not all college students love having their parents close by.
    Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The window to stash Reed has opened with the dynamic playmaker possibly returning by the end of the month, and injuries piling up on the offensive side of the ball for Green Bay.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • These are a great place to stash in-flight essentials, and Arlo Skye’s options boast plenty of pockets to keep your passport, tech, water bottle, and other travel essentials in easy reach.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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