treasure 1 of 2

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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

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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, a hidden treasure awaited: Velas Sajvin, a sculptural candle workshop founded by three sisters. Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 28 May 2025 Fearful Lina scours her village for clay pots, holding treasures but trapping ghosts. John Hopewell, Variety, 27 May 2025
Verb
That daily visit earns Wendy fresh milk and cheese, while Anita’s chickens occasionally provide eggs — tiny, but treasured. Ashley Vega, People.com, 22 May 2025 The group won the 2024 Mercury Prize with debut album This Could Be Texas, and proved how the U.K.’s grassroots scene is continually producing stellar acts, and why it must be protected and treasured. Thomas Smith, Billboard, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • The voluminous gown featured shades of brown with jewel embellishments cascading down the bodice and skirt.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
  • There’s still a long, difficult road ahead before the jewel of the coast could separate from the city of San Diego and incorporate as its own municipality.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Crystal River Gentle manatees and some of the best paddling in the state—in and around the state’s clearest springs—make Crystal River a true gem on Florida’s Nature Coast.
    Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
  • Other gems were gleaned from his years as a country boy in the Harlem of the nineteen-forties and fifties.
    Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Unlike stocks, which can be valued on the basis of tangible components such a company’s goods and services, bitcoin is considered a store of value, and its price is driven by what others are willing to pay for it.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • It was last valued at $65 million in 2024 and has raised a total of $8 million, according to PitchBook.
    Stephen Pastis, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Files are encrypted both during transfer and while stored, and Koofr does not track your usage or behavior, which helps keep your data private.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 5 June 2025
  • Researchers say that the total economic value of oceans needs to include the direct use of oceans like fishing and tourism as well as indirect functions like storing carbon and protecting biodiversity that keeps the planet in balance.
    Justin Worland, Time, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Gauff raised the winner’s trophy aloft, then kissed it several times.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • Luka Modric, the player with the most trophies (28) in the club’s history, and Lucas Vazquez will not have their expiring contracts renewed — both will leave, but not until after a last hurrah at this tournament.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • One of those is the fact that Inter Miami were invited to participate as a host representative despite the fact that the team didn’t win the MLS last season and hasn’t won any continental prize.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • The Square, from South Korean director Bo-Sol Kim, which blends political commentary with experimental animation in its story of a Swedish diplomat in Pyongyang who begins a clandestine affair with a local traffic officer, took the jury prize of the Contrechamps section.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • The 30-year-old musician has notably shared her distaste for Noth’s character, Mr. Big, Carrie Bradshaw’s on-and-off again love interest through the series and films.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • The teen would love a family that shows up to cheer him on at all his events.
    The Star, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • The internal shelf is perfect for stashing everyday essentials while a few external shelves give you the option to display a few decorative items according to your style.
    Belle DuChene, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
  • Some viewers took to Reddit to question if the murder knife is stashed behind the wallpaper in his room.
    Peter White, Deadline, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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