PRECIOUS Synonyms: 166 Similar and Opposite Words

precious

adjective

ˈpre-shəs

Definition of precious

as in valuable

commanding a large price diamonds and other precious stones

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 When antique shopping, some valuable pieces can resemble costume jewelry despite containing precious metals and gemstones. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026 The National Archives is the central repository of federal documents both precious and routine, and its leader has discretion over which records to preserve and display, and how. — Calvin Woodward, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 Despite a 25% decline in gold from its high in January, proponents of the precious metal are storming into bullish call positions after almost two months of sideways action gives way to a rally Friday following weak jobs data. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 Trillions of neutrinos — mostly those produced in the sun — pass through our bodies every second, yet after years of hunting them with detectors such as SNO+, researchers have captured only a few hundred thousand of their precious flashes. — James Dinneen, Quanta Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precious

Adjective

As luxury becomes both more ubiquitous and more expensive, being desirable without being everywhere could prove a valuable position to hold.

— Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
To further complicate things, baseball is heading toward a labor fight in which owners are aiming to swap short-term financial pain for cost caps that would make every team more valuable.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of valuable

Adjective

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archwell Productions partnered with Beautiful Stories and AJNA Films on the doc about one of America’s most cherished rituals, Girl Scout Cookie season.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
His return ensures continuity for fans of the annual tournament and allows Ravech to maintain a cherished assignment despite significant professional changes.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of cherished

Adjective

Those in the know noticed an especially sentimental aspect to her appearance this weekend, as the Princess wore jewelry that nodded to those dearest to her heart.

— Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 2 Aug. 2026
Women were burning their bras, Black people were marching for their rights and teenagers across the world were explicitly rejecting the values that their parents held so dear.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 July 2026

Definition of dear

Adjective

Above and below him on our list sit the two most expensive shot-stoppers of all time, whose big-money moves were followed by contrasting fortunes.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
As luxury becomes both more ubiquitous and more expensive, being desirable without being everywhere could prove a valuable position to hold.

— Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of expensive

Adjective

This feeling also ripples throughout the community, casting a shadow on fellow classmates, family and loved ones.

— Narmeen Khan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Though the teens have been identified by families and loved ones as those in the Grand Junction community share memories and rally around those left behind.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of loved

Adjective

For a more casual pair of comfy everyday flats, try these adorable Dolce Vita jelly shoes.

— Jordan Julian, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Ted was an adorable lead and head coach and despite his lack of experience or knowledge of soccer, his remarkable way with people took everyone off guard, including viewers.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of adorable

Adjective

Fairview’s board thought hard before committing to such a costly venture, but had a dream, said Edie Kalin, president of the Odd Fellows Home of CT.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Prematurely extending the life of costly fossil fuel power generation in response to rising costs in a market undergoing reforms may straddle Illinois customers with more costs than otherwise necessary.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of costly

Adjective

DeLeo and her family were spending Saturday at home preparing for their nephew’s 4th birthday party, one day before they were supposed to drive to Uniontown for the funeral of their beloved aunt, when the alert about the fire came.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
The beloved comfort shoe has become a styling staple for those who know that the coolest looks are often the ones that feel effortless.

— Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of beloved

Browse Nearby Words

precincts

precious

precipice

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“Precious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precious. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of precious

adjective

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