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
There’s joy, there’s music, there’s magically regenerating food, trees that flower and fruit at the same time, piles of treasure, crystals that rain from the sky, everlasting happiness and health. — Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026 Continue reading … PAST SECRETS — 2,000-year-old treasure discovered beneath former sports field, breaking regional record. — FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
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 But sometimes, that’s the type of unassuming restaurant treasured most by loyal customers. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • The crown jewel of the hotel, the wellness program offers all the usual suspects—massages, facials, and a variety of body treatments meant to soothe sore muscles—plus so much more.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Oct. 2026
  • One of her final outings in the jewels was to the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace in 2019.
    — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The topped focaccias are salty and satisfying, but an underrated gem is the brown butter corn cake.
    — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Soundtracked by a theatrical orchestral arrangement that switches back and forth between jazzy and classical styles, the minute-long video opens with the pop star in a white suit and top hat, outfitted with many silver gems and brooches.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Branca quickly stepped in to manage his affairs, and his lawyers have long credited him with transforming Jackson’s estate from one saddled with more than $500 million in debt into an enterprise valued at roughly $2 billion.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The complimentary seats reportedly included premium tickets to the BAFTA Film Awards valued at up to £2,000 ($2,660).
    — Anna Tingley, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This is stored energy capacity and doesn’t necessarily translate 100 percent into driving range.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Meta describes this option as permanently deleting chat history, stored files and active tasks.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • With all the new plaques on the way, Drizzy’s going to need another trophy room.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Gophers would love to win the pig trophy for just the third time since 2014 and deal a blow to the Big Ten and CFP hopes of Iowa.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The early prizes were awarded mostly to Europeans, as German science especially was preeminent.
    — Mattanjah de Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Investors and journalists have now spent two days parsing Anthropic’s IPO filing — its risk factors, its $80 billion headline net loss, and its unusual governance structure — but there’s one number Silicon Valley prizes above all.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Senior quarterback Dardan Nreci, who gained 110 yards on the ground to go with a TD run, loves how Everette stretches the field vertically.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The Republicans used to love the language of creativity, and the Democrats liked the language of innovation.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Firearms purchased in Florida were put in small backpacks and stashed in a trashcan in the library bathroom, the department said.
    — Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Oh, and although there are surfboards stashed throughout the property, none of the goats actually get on them.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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