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
Instead of using labels, Alkhatib talks his guests through the treasures, which include a marble model of the Taj Mahal, a geode from Morocco and a silver elephant sculpture from Sri Lanka. — Dina Cheney, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026 Just hours after the Louvre heist last October –– which saw thieves strike during broad daylight and make off with Napoleonic-era treasures –– another French museum was similarly targeted. — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
But sometimes, that’s the type of unassuming restaurant treasured most by loyal customers. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • Meanwhile the star accessorized with matching pointy pumps and loaded up on glittering jewels courtesy of Cartier.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Diamond jewels by Cartier, including the house’s Agrafe earrings, completed Chan’s look.
    — Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • With a captivating bank fraud mystery, and two irresistible love stories, Kleypas’ uniquely wise and witty novel is a gem.
    — Monitor reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026
  • That is the heart of this gem of a company, which was performed for one night only Saturday at the Auditorium and marks the official kickoff to its season highlighting North American dance.
    — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Engineering better working dogs Warhound plans to start with two breeds already valued for military and police work.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Romo carved out new terrain at CBS Sports after revealing a knack for predicting game play — all but forcing CBS to re-sign the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback to a multi-season pact in 2020 valued at around $17 million a year.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 22 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
  • An image of ink droplets inside a printer has won first prize at the Nikon Small World photomicrography competition, which focuses on images taken through a microscope.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Congratulations to Zane Li, who has now won enough young-designer prizes to have something like an EGOT, and to Aisling Camps and Emily Dawn Long, who are this year’s runners-up.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The judges love this all-over-the-place contemporary, but Julia looks a little lost throughout.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
  • By this time, the interview has devolved into fun-loving chaos.
    — Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 21 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

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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