national treasure
Beloved country symbol
National treasure refers to something or someone considered invaluable to a nation's cultural heritage or identity.
A historical document, landmark, or artwork may be a national treasure in the literal sense.
More often the phrase is used affectionately or humorously for beloved public figures—actors, musicians, or personalities who've earned widespread admiration: Betty White was a national treasure.
The designation is informal and bestowed by popular sentiment rather than official decree.
Notable point of reference
- monumentStructure honoring someone remembered
- masterpieceSupreme artistic achievement
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- symbolRepresentational mark or sign
emblem · heritage site · cultural icon · historic site · natural wonder · ancient ruins · sacred site · pilgrimage
Preserved ancient object
- antiquityGreat age, ancient era
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- manuscriptOriginal text before publication
- archiveStored historical records
scroll · artifact · archaeological find · excavation · museum piece · exhibit · collection · crown jewels
Too valuable to quantify
- invaluableBeyond monetary worth
- uniqueOnly one exists
- preciousHighly esteemed, greatly valued
- one-of-a-kindHaving no equivalent
rare · unrepeatable · unrecoverable · sacrosanct · protected · safeguarded · UNESCO · endangered
Cloth symbol or signal
- anthemOfficial song of praise
- founding documentEstablishing text of origin
- constitutionInherent physical or structural makeup
- declarationFormal public announcement
independence · liberty · freedom · founding father · veteran · hero · martyr · sacrifice
landmark
Notable point of reference
- monumentStructure honoring someone remembered
- masterpieceSupreme artistic achievement
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
symbol · emblem · heritage site · cultural icon · historic site · natural wonder · ancient ruins · sacred site · pilgrimage · destination
relic
Preserved ancient object
- antiquityGreat age, ancient era
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- manuscriptOriginal text before publication
archive · scroll · artifact · archaeological find · excavation · museum piece · exhibit · collection · crown jewels · regalia
priceless
Too valuable to quantify
- invaluableBeyond monetary worth
- uniqueOnly one exists
- preciousHighly esteemed, greatly valued
one-of-a-kind · rare · unrepeatable · unrecoverable · sacrosanct · protected · safeguarded · UNESCO · endangered · vulnerable
flag
Cloth symbol or signal
- anthemOfficial song of praise
- founding documentEstablishing text of origin
- constitutionInherent physical or structural makeup
declaration · independence · liberty · freedom · founding father · veteran · hero · martyr · sacrifice · service
luminary
Inspiring figure or celestial body
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- legendUnverified traditional tale
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
maestro · elder · statesman · pioneer · trailblazer · decorated · honored · revered · cultural ambassador · master craftsman
- national symbolsemblem, state flag, anthem, coat of arms, bald eagle
- honors & awardsmedal, trophy, certificate, plaque, ribbon
- medalsgold medal, silver medal, bronze medal, medal, Olympic medal
- titlesMr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., Miss
- legendsKing Arthur, Robin Hood, Hercules, Merlin, Excalibur
treasure, nation, national, nationalism, international, nationwide, nationalist, nationally, nationalize