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
Top it off with one of Róhe’s signatures—a drapey satin top—and a pendant necklace from their display case of treasures, featuring vintage silver jewelry alongside the house’s contemporary styles. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026 Beijing is quite happy, for now at least, to watch as the US drains its treasure policing the world’s sea lanes, keeping transnational drug gangs and fraudsters in check, and maintaining global financial stability. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
There was a fluidity to their performance that treasured passion over technical precision. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026 In the meantime, French curators are working on digitizing the Ségou treasure manuscripts for study anywhere in the world. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • Every jewel begins with a dream, an emotion, a vision, an idea waiting to be brought to life.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Hamilton also wore some serious jewels, with a diamond necklace and stud earrings.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The process yielded one-of-a-kind designs, often incorporating unusual gem cuts, such as raw sapphires, in pieces that take on particular significance for the wearer.
    — Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • While Boone and Blowing Rock often attract most of the fall season crowds, just down the road lies Banner Elk, a hidden gem in the North Carolina mountains.
    — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The deal values the Caribbean resort chain at $6 billion and is expected to boost growth for both companies, according to CNBC.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The household also reported three cash accounts, including one worth more than $1 million, and bitcoin valued at between roughly $16,000 and $65,000.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Oaks support a wide range of organisms, anchoring entire ecosystems, and also serve the vital task of storing carbon on a warming planet.
    — Jessie Schiewe, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The recipe yields 4 cups of salty, spicy nuts that can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The jersey will be displayed in a trophy case at an entrance to the gym.
    — Russell Lissau, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Two days later, after winning a trophy in his debut, González was still taking in the moment.
    — Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Nearly 220,000 other tickets sold in the United States also won prizes ranging from $10 to $40,000 in the drawing, the lottery said.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • And the film festival announced actor and producer Marc Clotet will return to become president of the jury for the 15th edition after presenting the juried Voz Dormida prize at the first edition 2012.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Some of these moments involve Ned’s imperfect yet still undeniably loving rapport with his son.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The building has existed as some version of a hotel or inn since the mid-1800s, but the iteration most locals knew and loved closed in 1999 and remained closed until 2023.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • If the elder Lansky stashed away millions, his grandson noted, the family never saw it.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2026
  • In addition to high-yield savings and CDs, investors can stash cash in money market funds and Treasury bills.
    — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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