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
Clark had recently purchased her dream home, built in 1900, so her aunt Jan saw the perfect destination for some of the special and otherwise unclaimed treasures. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Visitors can browse apparel, artisan goods, baked treats, and boutique treasures to handmade crafts, home décor, home fragrances, jewelry, permanent jewelry, glass art, wood art, candles, stationery, vintage finds, and much more. Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
In the meantime, French curators are working on digitizing the Ségou treasure manuscripts for study anywhere in the world. Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 And often, the items contributing to clutter around the house are too treasured to part with (especially as Southerners who hold onto our heirlooms). Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • But this year, the evening at the jewel-box Teatro Goldoni carried a deeper resonance.
    Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The jewelry house did not confirm a price, but Page Six estimated that the jewels could be worth up to $55 million in total.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Spanish-style gem, designed by famed architect Wallace Neff, hosts seven bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.
    India Roby, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2026
  • But even at the time, one NFC executive, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak openly about another team’s roster, pinpointed Thomas as a hidden gem.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Most of us who have spent careers as osteopathic physicians in a largely allopathic American health care system have learned to value and embrace these unique aspects.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Equally, Pattinson’s ability to jump seamlessly between offbeat indies and hundred-million-dollar tentpoles is a skill the modern Academy tends to value.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The default time for storing images before deletion, currently 30 days, will drop to a week.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The tapestry had actually been taken down, rolled up and stored in the basement for the past couple of years as Paul Stuart sought to attract a younger customer.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But at the end of last term, Madrid president Florentino Perez turned to him to shake up a side which had failed to win a major trophy for a second successive season.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Margo’s Got Money Troubles, The Pitt, and Widow’s Bay all picked up hecka trophies.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Few would begrudge Mohamed Salah his Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year prize for his 2024-25 season with Liverpool, but there are always reflected glories back to the club and its supporters.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The prize consists in the acquisition of the non-commercial and non-exclusive broadcasting rights for five years for a value of €4,000 – €6,000 depending on the genre and length of the film and the number of available territories.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But when the Orcs come sniffing, those same qualities transform him from fun-loving hobbit to fierce protector.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The 54-year-old Carrollton alum was referring to the celebrity loved injectable from Eli Lilly and Company that the FDA approved that same year.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Shoes have a reputation for being clunky and not ideal for packing, but these lightweight, flexible flats can be stashed in a carry-on or weekender bag with no trouble.
    Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This on-trend puffy crossbody is compact enough for comfort, yet spacious enough to stash your wallet, phone, a book or two, and even an iPad.
    Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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