precious

adjective

ˈpre-shəs How to pronounce precious (audio)
Definition of preciousnext
1
as in valuable
commanding a large price diamonds and other precious stones

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cherished
granted special treatment or attention parents who refuse to hear the slightest criticism of their precious children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dear
having qualities that tend to make one loved a precious friend for whom I would do anything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 precious After years of infertility, the ability to carry a child and become a mother are the most outrageous and precious gifts I have ever been given. — Parents, 28 Aug. 2026 The next product category TikTok bars from Surprise Sets after iPhones, iPads, televisions, diamonds, gift cards and precious metals. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 The combat is slow and tedious, with far too much emphasis on reacting to overly precious enemy animations. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 Some ergonomic shortcomings remain, such as the fact that its precious screen real estate can’t display Ferrari’s iconic tachometer and a GPS screen simultaneously. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precious
  1. valuable
  2. cherished
  3. dear
  4. expensive
  5. loved
  6. adorable
  7. costly
  8. beloved
Adjective
  • The simple way to think about this product is a closer integration between Salesforce's library of customers' valuable data and the capabilities of the Claude model.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The term describes how one’s actions have side effects that might be more valuable than the actions themselves, like a bee pollinating the world’s flowers while making honey for its hive.
    — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of valuable
Adjective
  • The cherished cult classic from 1985 is an ideal showcase for Curry’s impeccable physical humor and timing.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
  • With the gym restored, Gallatin Shalom Zone plans to double enrollment in its youth programs and introduce new sports leagues to keep children active and engaged year-round, while also preserving a cherished local landmark.
    — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of cherished
Adjective
  • Bunny uses his personal history with the Matron of Bridget’s nursing home, played by Aisling O’Sullivan (Raw, The Clinic), to pull in a favour — a favour that will cost him dear.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Giants tend to always stand a bit apart, but in true Palestinian style, Sliman had a few dear friends who shared in his times of ease and his laughter.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of dear
Adjective
  • But when shovels become too expensive, the miners start forging their own.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • West Virginia is the least expensive state, with an income of $81,245 for a single adult and $202,592 for a family of four.
    — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • No details about the funeral service have yet been released, though TMZ reported that her family is planning a small ceremony in Nashville for her closest family and loved ones.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • At this point in the operation, even formerly adorable homes begin to look hideous.
    — Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes, that love is small, furry, ridiculously adorable, and in need of a loving home.
    — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of adorable
Adjective
  • During Parcells’ reign over the Dolphins, players who made a costly error on game day often showed up for work the next day to find out they were fired.
    — Omar Kelly August 30, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The floods will likely change that outlook, squeezing a country that’s heavily dependent on tourism while forcing a costly period of reconstruction.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of costly
Adjective
  • The rollout that led up to it offers a useful case study in how to reintroduce a dormant but beloved act without leaning on nostalgia alone.
    — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The crowd stood and shared in the moving moment, bidding a beloved star farewell.
    — Chris Parton, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of beloved

Browse Nearby Words

precincts
precious
precipice
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precious. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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