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
  • Supporters say shifting unproductive cropland to clean energy will help California meet its 100% renewable power goal, while farm groups warn of losing valuable agricultural land.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • An optional trundle addition can double its capacity without taking up more valuable square footage.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 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
  • Javier, Marion, Anna, Dame Vanessa Redgrave, and our dear heroine Pippa Kelly all possess a true magic which has transformed our epic.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Dolly Parton’s dearest family and friends gathered for a private Nashville funeral, laying the beloved musician to rest, her niece confirmed in an Instagram post.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of dear
Adjective
  • According to materials provided to CNBC, Google has also directly targeted Microsoft and Anthropic, claiming their recurring seat fees and separate product licenses make their offerings more expensive and less flexible.
    — MacKenzie Sigalos,Drew Troast, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • These Mocoly hiking pants have a slightly sportier look about them without the expensive price tag.
    — Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • Our hearts are with Carla’s family and loved ones during this devastating time.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • An environmental consultant, Sorensen, 60, was deeply spiritual — conscious of and connected to the Earth, and her loved ones, in many ways.
    — Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Precious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precious. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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