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
The real treasure here is the little fixes and updates that make this masterpiece play better on modern hardware than the original. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026 Michelson poured more than $40 million of his own money into the Yes on 38 campaign; fellow CIII co-founder and treasure Meyer Luskin contributed $5 million in support of the measure. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 5 Nov. 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
  • Neither Namibia nor Origin De Beer Group has announced a price, but gem experts say it could be valued at between $5 million and $25 million.
    — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The system aims to turn one of nature’s hardest gems into a reliable building block for next-generation quantum computers, ultra-secure communication links, and high-sensitivity quantum sensors.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 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
  • Among her likely competitors, Audrey Hobert and Malcolm Todd will be fun to watch as the Grammys’ first set of siblings nominated against each other for this prize.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • And both won first prize in their respective age groups, as Joseph was the only first prize winner in his age group, and Joshua was one of two first-prize winners in his age group.
    — Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Stacy Keach, the legendary actor whose unmistakable voice and powerful performances captivated generations of Americans, is being remembered by his beloved wife as a devoted husband, loving father and courageous fighter after his death at 85.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The couple’s lawyer told the judge that the Mitchells grieved the loss of Ginnifer and loved Evelyn.
    — Noelle Crombie, ProPublica, 11 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

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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