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Definition of treasurenext
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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

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 public is invited to look for hidden treasures on nickel, quarter and diem tables or try their luck with a raffle. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 The spa The 57-foot-long underground pool is a treasure. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
Leonard awarded himself and his team about 90 minutes after Selection Sunday to treasure the moment before the court was cleared and a practice took place. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2026 Laird said the experience has encouraged him to treasure every moment. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • Following Princess Margaret’s death in 2002, its whereabouts remained unclear, adding to its reputation as a missing royal jewel.
    Christopher Luu, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The Broward Center, built in 1991, is a critical economic jewel for the city, Hooper said.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Aside from being a practical closet staple, the reviews really convinced me that this dress is a gem.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The brutal winter took out much of Southold Town Beach's sand and parking lot, forcing the North Fork gem to close for swimming this summer.
    Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Stephanie Christian said choosing to cut this program signaled to the state’s education workforce that teachers are not valued.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The deal would value OpenAI at eighty-six billion dollars and allow many employees to cash out millions in equity.
    Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If your area experiences cold winters, bring them indoors in autumn, either emptied of their annuals, cleaned and stored, or still housing tropicals, evergreens or herbs, and treat them as houseplants over winter.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The enclosure is designed to store stormwater for up to a day and then to release it, slowly, once the pipes clear.
    Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • North Texas soccer fans have a chance to see the FIFA World Cup trophy before this summer’s games.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The awards show also sees trophies handed out across 114 categories.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Event organizers know where their ancient bread is buttered, too, with IV only offering a $40,000 prize pool.
    Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
  • This year is the first of three years of the competition; four cash prizes will be awarded to winners each year, Creager said.
    Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Since the show is set on a ranch full of horse-loving people, Busby shared the screen with several horses during her time playing young show-jumper Ashley Stanton.
    Sabienna Bowman, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Campers love Wilderness State Park; snag a tent-only spot right on the shore for the most unforgettable morning views.
    Joie Probst, Midwest Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Clear towels and bathrobes from the back of the door, and stash personal medications in a cabinet.
    Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Keep a batch in the refrigerator for after-school bites, post-workout fuel or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee, or stash them in the freezer for longer storage.
    Laura Mclively, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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