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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
That November 2013 visit led to a weeklong FBI seizure in April 2014 that captured worldwide attention as people questioned how and why a nonagenarian Hoosier, considered a pillar of his community, hoarded cultural treasures for so long while evading the law. Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025 The new line includes silk pajamas, cozy sweaters, charming ornaments, and more holiday-ready treasures. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 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
  • The content creator dressed in a stunning array of jewels, a chain-style seashell dress from Paco Rabanne retailing for nearly $4,000, and a metallic purse.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The cash, gold, jewels, and crypto are all ready.
    Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Choudhary, a collector of contemporary art as well as Indian artifacts, considered a career in hospitality before he was seduced by the gems his family has traded for centuries.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Orio Extending from the coast, over the mountains, and then dropping into a valley anchored by a river, Orio is a beloved gem in the Basque Country.
    Michelle Arellano Martin, Travel + Leisure, 9 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
  • Not since 2016-17, when Chelsea won it, has a different name appeared on the trophy.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Last year’s ceremony saw Beyoncé make history with Album of the Year, while Kendrick Lamar dominated the rap categories, leaving with five trophies of his own.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 7 Nov. 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
  • Musical theater loves a go-getter, and halfhearted irony just can’t stand up to this much zazz.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • And petite travelers like myself will love that these are no-hemming-required, thanks to their 7/8 length that ends in a cheeky kick flare right below the calf.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 9 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 15 Nov. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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