precious

[presh-uhs] / ˈprɛʃ əs /

ADJECTIVE

favorite, valued

Synonyms

WEAK

adored beloved cherished darling dear dearest idolized inestimable loved pet prized treasured

Antonyms

WEAK

cheap common defective deficient disfavored impaired inexpensive useless valueless worthless

ADJECTIVE

expensive; rare

Synonyms

WEAK

choice costly dear exquisite fine high-priced inestimable invaluable priceless prizable prized recherché rich treasurable valuable worth a king's ransom worth eyeteeth worth one's weight in gold

Antonyms

WEAK

cheap common defective deficient disfavored impaired inexpensive useless valueless worthless

ADJECTIVE

extremely sophisticated and picky

Synonyms

WEAK

affected alembicated artful artificial chichi choosy dainty delicate fastidious finicky fragile fussy la-di-da nice ostentatious overnice overrefined particular persnickety precieux pretentious refined showy stagy studied

Antonyms

WEAK

cheap common defective deficient disfavored impaired inexpensive useless valueless worthless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Instead, the precious metal has offered something that may be even better — a source of liquidity.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Venture capital money is abundant, and every minute feels precious.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

“These last few months with her are precious, and we are terrified that his detention will prevent him from being by her side during this incredibly difficult time,” the sisters wrote on the site.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Profit-taking by holders of ETFs as gold hit a record of over $5,000 an ounce also weighed on the precious metal.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“It is precious to me. Just like you are.”

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

precious

Example Sentences

Related Words