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Definition of treasurenext
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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

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
Awaiting beyond a temple pylon recreated in the Parisian hôtel particulier were a series of columns, each bisected by a large sculpted niche with treasures galore within. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 9 June 2026 Pets are one of life’s most joyous treasures—but the fleas that can often come along with them are anything but. Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026
Verb
Sterling’s call for a player’s home run became as treasured a part of a Yankees identity as an initial set of pinstripes or a championship ring. Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026 John treasured his role as the voice of the New York Yankees, and his enthusiasm for the art of broadcasting perfectly complemented our city and our fans. Ronald Blum, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • Since 2015, the hotel has been a jewel of the Oetker Collection, whose portfolio includes icons such as Le Bristol Paris and the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026
  • Senior Test Kitchen editor Shilpa Uskokovic carefully crowned the top with the jewel-like fruit.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • The gems are also heavily associated with healing.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
  • The skin care gem is rich in omega-3 fatty acids to deeply hydrate and plump your skin while simultaneously protecting it from future damage.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • And in November 2024, two trucks carrying Santo tequila, valued at about $1 million, did not arrive at their destination.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • When a satin skirt or silk scarf is valued primarily for the status endowed upon its wearer – rather than its functionality as clothing – products take on a mystical status.
    Eileen G'Sell, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Multiple items of evidence were also stored incorrectly—including Tate’s phone, which was left lying around the station while the case stalled.
    Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
  • By storing more energy within the same weight, future semi-solid-state batteries could help increase vehicle range without requiring larger battery packs.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Ronaldo scored in the semi-finals and the final of the Nations League to win his third trophy with Portugal.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • The first two seasons also raked in a total of 25 Emmy nominations and nine wins, including Zendaya’s back-to-back trophies for her performance as drug addict Rue Bennett and a guest actor victory for Colman Domingo as her sponsor Ali.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • In the event of multiple jackpot winners, the jackpot prize will be shared.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 13 June 2026
  • Map out the road to the final and pick your favorite team to take home the world’s biggest prize.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Considered one of Birkenstock’s most iconic styles, the Arizona sandals have been loved by travelers since 1973.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026
  • In 2016, Teresa told PEOPLE that the then-11-year-old would love to be a professional soccer player or a model.
    Jamie Ballard, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Keeping a microfiber cloth handy or stashing disinfecting wipes under the sink makes this a fast, almost effortless ritual.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2026
  • Nearby, the Rum Vault is a small room stashed with bottles and bottles of the spirit, arranged like a library according to the producing region.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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