treasure 1 of 2

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

1
2

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
See treasures The weapons were rediscovered when a university project through the Institute of Digital Humanities Research began work on databases for scientific work, according to the release. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025 Beachcombers and seashell hunters will appreciate the opportunity to find little treasures washed ashore. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
Conservatives typically treasure civic institutions as a storehouse of ancestral wisdom; those on the left have championed universal rights, individual freedoms and the vox populi. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025 Romaine Salad With Oranges And Radishes Recipe: Potato-And-Rutabaga Gratin Recipe: Hummingbird Sheet Cake Staying tried-and-true to a traditional menu might satisfy your older relatives, but sometimes breaking from tradition makes a meal more memorable and treasured. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for treasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure
Noun
  • Big Sur The crown jewel of any PCH trip, Big Sur stuns with its dramatic cliffs, redwoods, and turquoise waters.
    Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Ah well, still the best Star Wars movie of the Disney-era, even if Andor remains the crown jewel.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After his Game 5 gem, Yamamoto was solid again in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series (4⅓ innings, two runs, eight strikeouts) and terrific in Game 2 of the World Series (6⅓ innings, one run, four strikeouts), serving as the backbone of a shorthanded, championship-winning pitching staff.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Its national parks often steal the spotlight, but the Golden State's state parks are hidden gems that offer sights, experiences, and landscapes that rival their national counterparts.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Children: All About Sons Henry and Charlie His success in business put William on the Forbes billionaires list, with the magazine valuing his and his family's net worth at $3.4 billion in 2006.
    Julie Tremaine, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • The deal is expected to close by the third quarter of this year, and the company was valued at almost $200 million, according to the Financial Times.
    Maximilíano Durón for ARTNews, Robb Report, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Iran's Defense Ministry denied the claims, insisting no sensitive materials were stored there.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Originally used to store claymore mines and their accessories, the bag had been repurposed by McLean to carry supplies to men in the field.
    Made by History, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After Pope Francis assumed the papacy, San Lorenzo secured a few major wins, after which the club transported trophies to the Vatican twice as a way to thank the pope for his support.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The latter signed a 10-year, $700 million contract as a free agent before the 2024 season, then won his second straight MVP trophy, joining Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only men to win the award in both leagues.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • No, no one else won the jackpot, Match 5 + Power Play $2 million prize, or the Match 5 $1 million prize.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Maybe this year, in homage to Keith, mark this momentous occasion by spinning his many songs while serving up a Kentucky bourbon pie and rooting for Render Judgment to take the top prize at Louisville's famed Churchill Downs track.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jelly Roll: Review As with her 2022 Humble Quest Tour, Morris will be joined by her closest fan, son Hayes, who is already a road warrior who travels well, loves to visit catering and hang out with mom’s band.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • As her husband Sean also said, Emily only loves two people, herself and Nicky.
    Hannah Madlener, Glamour, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Some investors have been pulling money out of stocks and stashing them in gold and crypto, which have sent the values of both soaring.
    Kevin Williams, Quartz, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Or, stash the money in a high-yield savings account.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Treasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treasure. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on treasure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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