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 return, the British Museum will loan treasures from the Sutton Hoo hoard — artifacts from a 7th century Anglo Saxon ship burial — and other items to museums in Normandy. ABC News, 10 July 2026 Fresh from the coast, this intricate 3D manicure is covered in shells, starfish, octopus, and other seaside treasures, all in a dreamy palette of ocean blue, white, and sandy terracotta. Amanda Le, InStyle, 9 July 2026
Verb
The question of cultural appropriation Cultural appropriation is generally defined as when people from a dominant culture adopt or exploit a cultural practice that is treasured by another culture, without properly understanding the history or context of that practice. Jeremy David Engels, The Conversation, 23 June 2026 The storied tree is treasured not only for its age, stature and beauty, but for connections to the legend of Robin Hood, said to have hidden along with his band of outlaws inside the trunk to escape the Sheriff of Nottingham. Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • The Hope Diamond, the Cursed Diamond On display at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, the Hope Diamond is one of the most famous jewels in the world.
    Eliza Prosperini, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026
  • The custodian of this jewel is Amrit Maan, the fourth-generation owner of The Punjab and a man who wears more hats than any one human should reasonably be expected to.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Food and drink One of the perks of staying at The Francis is easy access to its on-site gem of a restaurant and creative cocktail bar, The Wayside Tavern.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
  • Snake Creek Trail is a hidden gem for NFL fans who want to stay active, explore Miami Gardens, and see a different side of the city, only just minutes from the stadium.
    Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • New attractions include the Hip Hop ride, a traveling grand carousel with horses valued over $30,000 each and the first-ever First Peoples’ Art Showcase.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
  • Forbes Valuation Forbes values Black’s net worth at $13 billion as of Friday afternoon.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • What stopped it was the absence of SKU-level data, the item-by-item detail that shows what was in the basket rather than which store the basket came from.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • One of his colleagues suggested buying one instead and storing it in a warehouse used by Goodall’s fruit and vegetable business.
    Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • Each lifted the Premier League title the following May — part of a treble of trophies in Beckham’s case.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Despite some controversy in the match, La Roja scored a dramatic extra-time winner to claim the World Cup trophy.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • According to one of the people briefed on the meeting, Roland Garros delivered a concrete proposal on all three points, including a prize-money formula that links player compensation to the tournament’s financial success.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Participants earn passport stamps for every $10 purchase, unlocking prizes and a shot at a $325 gift card.
    Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • The loudmouth shorts that Corporate America loves to hate are likely to stay on the sidelines a while longer – nobody likes the guy at the party complaining the music is too loud.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • Royals fans love the traditional Salvy Splash following a win, but there was one of a different kind during the Royals’ 5-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants at Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • More officers were stashed throughout the dim warehouse, and still more waited miles down the road for the signal.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026
  • Bring plenty of water, personal flotation devices, and a dry bag to stash valuables, too.
    Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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