Synonyms of treasure

treasure 1 of 2

noun

ˈtre-zhər 

1

as in jewel

an asset that brings praise or renown

ancient archaeological treasures that today would never be allowed out of the country of origin

Synonyms & Similar Words

• jewel
• trophy
• honor
• pride
• attraction
• highlight
• glory
• crown jewel
• credit
• boast
• feature
• value
• excellence
• a feather in one's cap
• showpiece
• virtue
• merit
• pièce de résistance
• distinction

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disgrace
• dishonor
• defect
• shame
• stain
• stigma
• blemish
• blot
• smudge
• horror
• mess
• slur
• fright
• smirch
• eyesore

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

• gem
• prize
• jewel
• pearl
• plum
• find
• blessing
• catch
• valuable
• spoil
• windfall
• loot
• booty
• plunder
• gold
• swag
• brass ring
• godsend
• treasure trove
• goody
• glory
• prize money
• pride
• jackpot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lemon
• loser

treasure

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to value

to hold dear

I'll always treasure the time my friend and I spent together this past summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• value
• love
• appreciate
• enjoy
• cherish
• prize
• admire
• respect
• like
• relish
• regard
• reverence
• revere
• delight (in)
• set store by
• venerate
• dig
• revel (in)
• fancy
• memorialize
• groove (on)
• enshrine
• esteem
• caress
• worship
• adore
• apprize
• dote (on)
• idolize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• despise
• undervalue
• detest
• scorn
• loathe
• abhor
• scout
• minimize
• disdain
• slight
• sniff (at)
• disvalue
• forget
• put down
• write off
• depreciate
• decry
• snub
• disparage
• abandon
• neglect
• abominate
• belittle
• execrate
• deprecate
• kiss off
• cry down
• high-hat
• bad-mouth

2

as in to store

to put (something of future use or value) in a safe or secret place

a trove of fine wines that he had lovingly treasured over the years

Synonyms & Similar Words

• store
• stash
• hoard
• accumulate
• collect
• stockpile
• conserve
• save
• set aside
• lay in
• preserve
• stow
• cache
• acquire
• put by
• lay up
• lay by
• pile
• keep
• gather
• deposit
• salt away
• lay away
• stack
• squirrel (away)
• amass
• round up
• assemble
• retain
• husband
• heap
• scrape (together)
• bury
• garner
• reserve
• set by
• concentrate
• conceal
• hold
• withhold
• stock
• pick up
• bank
• secrete
• coffer
• ensconce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cast
• dump
• discard
• waste
• unload
• ditch
• throw away
• consume
• throw out
• spend
• squander
• fling (off or away)
• use up
• jettison
• relinquish
• surrender
• hand out
• lavish
• hand over
• run through
• expend
• blow
• dissipate
• deplete
• exhaust
• impoverish
• scatter
• dispel
• misspend
• fritter (away)
• disperse

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

Recent Examples of treasure

Noun

By Jon Bream, The Minnesota Star Tribune MINNEAPOLIS — Willie Nelson is an American treasure. — Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026

The forthcoming prequel series will reportedly tell the story of what happened 20 years before the treasure-hunting journey began. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026

Verb

The Guardians treasure pitchers with elite extension, and Yoho fits that description, as his 94 mph heater can sneak up on hitters. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Some enthusiasts will always treasure the sound and mechanical involvement of a gasoline engine, while others will welcome the instant, gutsier response and refinement of electric propulsion. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Phrases Containing treasure

• treasure trove