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
However, according to the report, violence is increasing in museum thefts, with thieves using instruments such as dynamite, guns, and sledgehammers to gain access to treasures and deter employees from interfering. News Desk, Artforum, 24 Aug. 2026 Sun-Loving Outdoor Potted Plants Containers brimming with beautiful treasures don’t need to be high-maintenance. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
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 For centuries, India’s rulers treasured these precious stones, decorating their palaces, thrones, and crowns with them, and wearing them in lavish displays of wealth and opulence. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • The owner of this famous jewel—still worn today by the women of the Luxembourg royal family —did not seem destined to become a grand duchess.
    Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Vienna robbery also comes less than a year after the brazen theft of jewels from the Louvre in Paris.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • International Television Production Australia ultimately teamed up for this gem, the standout installment of the new Untold season.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Especially memorable designs include its Naga choker, wherein each gem represents ornaments worn by a different native tribe, and its Naga orchid necklace, inspired by the nearly 400 species of the flowering plant found in the region.
    Sohini Dey, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The public's mounting disdain for the tech sector could prove especially challenging for Anthropic and OpenAI, both valued at nearly $1 trillion and gearing up for potentially historic IPOs.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Project Rise Love Productions founders Richard McKerrow and Anna Beattie built a culture that valued creative independence, meaning relations with Sky were not always straightforward.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The panels store within the roof rails when driving but expand at camp to deliver up to 600 watts of charging while doubling as an awning, saving space and weight as compared to separate awning and charging systems.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Their discovery drew immediate scrutiny of the owners of the funeral home, who previously operated a south suburban crematory that was shut down in March 2025 after the remains of more than 100 bodies were found improperly stored there.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • His chambers are in Islandia, on Long Island, with tennis trophies on the desk and an electric shoe buffer in the corner.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Hines made history as the first Black head coach to lead a club and to win a trophy in the NWSL.
    Scott Turick, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Building on this recognition, the winner of the Busan Award – Best Film, the top prize in BIFF’s Competition section, now qualifies for submission to the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category.
    Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Leslie McIntosh, within-group variance (Changes) Changes’ first/second book prize, launched in 2022 with Louise Gluck as the first judge, has already delivered gems such as Jimin Seo’s Ossia and Rachel Mannheimer’s Earth Room.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Everything couples and other travelers love about South Seas is right here, but just a little more relaxed.
    South Seas Island Resort, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Testers loved the cushiony texture, which felt featherlight on skin while delivering a noticeable surge of hydration and softness.
    Sheryl George, Glamour, 2 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
  • August has been a solid month for stocks, but investors hoping to stash some cash in the fall can still be paid well for using certificates of deposit.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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