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
Longtime viewers will enjoy some fun references to previous episodes, and the entire thing serves as one of many love letters to the Star Trek-style storytelling Seth MacFarlane treasures. Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026 Symbolism Historically, dragon-slaying stories portrayed the treasure hoard as the ultimate test of a hero’s character. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
Verb
The Ritz-Carlton is the gold standard of hospitality, and Merit’s formulas are treasured among A-listers like Martha Stewart and Katie Holmes for good reason. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 22 July 2026 Everybody who sat through the 2026 World Cup will come away with something to treasure. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • The romantic gesture set off a trend and from around 1790 to 1830, miniature artists began to house these tiny eyes in jewels as precious keepsakes.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The roaring jewel martini is made with Beluga Gold Line Vodka and a dry vermouth rinse, then topped with Billecart-Salmon Champagne Le Reserve and garnished with olives and a spoonful of beluga caviar.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Bryce Elder spun a gem Wednesday and the Braves ran their winning streak to seven with a 4-1 victory over the Marlins at Truist Park.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Amazon is dropping end-of-season discounts on gems across categories.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The plan to consolidate FIFA’s commercial and event operations into a new commercial subsidiary valued at $20 billion is off the table, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Stanek has spent enough time around the league to understand why contenders value experienced bullpen arms on short-term contracts and the Cardinals might have originally picked him up with the hopes of moving him at this point.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Industrial-grade potassium cyanide was stored casually in a bucket under the eaves and could be obtained without any difficulty.
    Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The hearing followed Paul’s release of Fauci’s diary entries, which were stored on a government server.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Atherton’s resurgence, by contrast, reflects the new fortunes being created by artificial intelligence leaders producing a new generation of ultrawealthy buyers eager to purchase trophy estates in the heart of Silicon Valley.
    Luisa Yanez August 3, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Like many real estate developers, Sajwani prefers to think about his trophy purchases in terms of location and scarcity.
    Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Via a points system, entrants will not only compete for prize money in individual races but also vie for a $5 million prize pool divided up based on the series’ final standings.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • With a $75 million prize pool up for grabs, Nigma Galaxy hopes a win would signal that the Arab gaming scene is finally being taken seriously.
    Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Vibrant, free-spirited, and sometimes a little scruffy around the edges, some love it, others don’t—and Brighton is very ok with that.
    Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Reviewers especially love their structured design, one of the hallmarks of a more durable, tight weave that lends the style its inherent stability.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Other common features include patch pockets into which items can easily be stashed away and retrieved, and softer constructions that typically do away with paddings, linings and sometimes leave the jacket completely unstructured.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This one stashes easily in a bag, adds a warming layer while in flight, can be worn as a scarf, and adds a dressy element to even casual looks.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on treasure

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster