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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
As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Brittany Trang, STAT, 16 June 2026 Because it is filled with treasure. Carrie McCrossen, New Yorker, 16 June 2026
Verb
Young people continue discovering him for the first time, while those who loved him from the beginning still treasure the man and his music. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026 So treasure your attention more than the people who want to take it from you. Jonathan Haidt, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • What a privilege for our crown-jewel stadium to welcome folks from around the globe and act as an advertisement for Atlanta and our country.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 18 June 2026
  • Savopoulos makes just a handful of jewels a year, available through Symbolic & Chase’s London salon.
    Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 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
  • Flores, captain of the Negra Francisca, said the vessel — valued around $400,000 — belonged to his father, 84.
    Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • The deal is costing Fox $160 per share, using a combination of cash and Fox stock, and valuing Roku at $22 billion in total.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • That's why making noise, storing food properly and carrying accessible bear spray remain your best defenses.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
  • The only opposition came from James Eadie, a licensed pyrotechnic operator, who said hobby rocket users could have difficulty complying with the bill because many local governments do not have permitting processes for storing small quantities of rocket motors.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • The dancing competition series concluded Season 34 in November, with wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and pro partner Witney Carson taking home the Mirrorball trophy.
    Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • The Chiefs Hall of Honor on the second-level concourse contains the organization’s four Super Bowl trophies, memorabilia, exhibits and documents, and there is no admission to walk through history.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • My journalism awards include the 2010 Society of American Business Editors and Writers prize for commentary.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • In the live finale, New Hampshire native Aubry Bracco was crowned the 50th season Sole Survivor with a $2 million prize.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Kids will love the whimsical play area, Cocoland, which includes the water park along with a petting zoo and kids' club.
    Chelsea Adams, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • Somewhere in the middle of this Los Angeles neo-noir, Colin Farrell’s quiet, well-dressed, cinema-loving private eye was revealed to be a blue-skinned alien — then the show just kept going, missing-persons mystery intact.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • The separate bottom-zipper section is an absolute lifesaver if you — like me — are accustomed to bringing along multiple pairs of shoes or want a place to stash wet swimwear or heavy toiletries.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
  • This wooden nightstand has just enough drawer space for stashing nightly reads, melatonin, and your favorite sleep mask.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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