TREASURE Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

treasure 1 of 2

noun

ˈtre-zhər

Definition of treasure next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

lemon
loser

treasure

2 of 2

verb

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The story has lured treasure hunters from all around the world. —

Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2025 It was filled with the spirit of my parents' incredibly unique style, artifacts, and treasures collected over a lifetime of travel and a love of art and photography. —

The Editors Of Ad, Architectural Digest, 7 Feb. 2025

Verb

These critiques have corroded public opinion on the value of U.S. higher education, just as the rest of the world treasures the real contributions to the economy, quality of life, scientific knowledge, and cultural enrichment provided by American colleges. —

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 28 Dec. 2024 This is a musical that treasures goofy imperfection, a scene where McInnerny does a funny little tap dance, or the joy in Shannon’s hyena cackle. —

Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for treasure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for treasure

Noun

Weaving a fascination for lace A delicate jewel among textiles, lace is an elegant and deceptively simple creation whose appeal has been spun for centuries.

— David Morgan, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2025
While Mar presided over the festivities (dressed in an all-black Carolina Herrera suit and Tiffany & Co. jewels), guests navigated a sea of butlered canapes and decadent carving stations.

— Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025