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
To be conservative means to hold onto things that are treasures, that conserve values. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 Michelangelo’s David and the Sistine Chapel ceiling are treasures that all of humanity should appreciate. — Christopher Koopman, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
The vision describes a county that continues to treasure its natural beauty and protect open space across the Greater Sacramento metropolitan area, while creating opportunities for people to live, work, recreate and raise families. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 There was a fluidity to their performance that treasured passion over technical precision. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • Shoes also embraced a more playful and expressive spirit, with jewels, bows, flowers, bold prints and vibrant colors.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • All are adorned with jewels and tails made of real horsehair, many of which have been eaten by squirrels or other critters.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Nestled a short stroll from the Griffith Park Ranger Station, near some tennis courts and not far from the remains of the park’s original zoo, lies a gem that is on most days behind lock and key.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Now, the world has started to discover a music movement that not so long ago was a hidden gem known only locally.
    — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • ElevenLabs established itself as one of the most highly valued of those startups this month with a $300 million employee tender, at a $22 billion price tag.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • At the top end of the price range, Jio Platforms is valued at around $108 billion, much lower than previously expected.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The components connect to a custom wristwatch-type electronic unit that processes the signals, transmits them wirelessly to a computer and stores the measurements on a microSD card.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The Amazon, which stores vast amounts of carbon dioxide and generates atmospheric moisture that helps regulate weather far beyond South America, is a vital ecosystem for the world's climate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The 2,444-acre reservoir is home to trophy-sized cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout, as well as northern pike.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In the role, the Duke of Kent was on hand to present the winners' trophies to the champions.
    — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That the accusation is being made against an African writer about a prize celebrating African writing is something others have noticed and called out.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
  • That jackpot wasn’t the Mega Millions top prize, which will be at $403 million for Friday’s drawing, or the Jackpot Triple Play, which will be at $500,000.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The theme of Season 2, Harjo says, is to figure out how to love yourself — and how that love will extend to everyone else in your life.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Always one for a picture-perfect moment of her family, Joan loved to put the kids in matching outfits while entertaining guests at home.
    — Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The bar is lower than the basement room Luann got stashed in at Ramona’s Hamptons house.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • This is the God of end-times preppers, the God who stashes clues to Armageddon in sacred texts like so many colored eggs at Easter.
    — David Von Drehle, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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