treat 1 of 2

verb

ˈtrēt How to pronounce treat (audio)
Definition of treatnext
1
as in to serve
to behave toward in a stated way she tries to treat all of her students fairly and equally, regardless of her personal feelings toward them

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2
as in to manage
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently school officials treated the vandalism of the students' artwork as a very serious matter

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to consult
to exchange viewpoints or seek advice for the purpose of finding a solution to a problem I will treat with my lawyer and let you know what we decide

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4
as in to heal
to give medical treatment to a nurse treating a patient

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treat

2 of 2

noun

1
as in joy
a source of great satisfaction spending a long weekend at a ski resort is a real treat

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2
as in candy
something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury for us sushi is a real treat since no restaurant around here makes it

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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 treat
Verb
Some studies have described BPC-157 being used to treat knee pain, a chronic bladder condition known as interstitial cystitis and ulcerative colitis, a common type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation and ulcers in the colon. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 When people cannot trust that their work will be treated fairly, many stop experimenting, avoid controversial subjects, or censor themselves before anyone else does. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
Sky-gazers are in for a real treat, especially those in the Southern Hemisphere. — Gina Park, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 According to animal care staff, bananas are Masco and Tonga’s favorite treat. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for treat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treat
  1. serve
  2. manage
  3. consult
  4. heal
  5. joy
  6. candy
  7. handle
  8. manipulate
Verb
  • Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, and Thursday’s performance served as a reminder why.
    — Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • Rather, each pair should serve a distinct purpose instead of duplicating another one already hanging in the closet.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 31 July 2026
Definition of serve
Verb
  • Syeda Sultana, chief operating officer at the digital marketing platform Vettted, spent a decade managing a global sustainability program.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Iran has insisted on a role in managing traffic through the strait.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of manage
Verb
  • Prevent bats from re-entering by sealing entry points, adding screens, or consulting a professional if needed.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Currently, some consumers get them online from a risky, unregulated gray market, without ever consulting a physician.
    — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of consult
Verb
  • Alys Rivers urges him to wait and heal and regain his strength.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • These circumstances are exhibited globally, in slow-moving yet violent ways, but they have been challenged by individuals and groups alike, all seeking a way to heal the wounds of the past.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
Definition of heal
Noun
  • Arnetra and her sister, Akiva, described Darius as a joker, always striving to bring joy to those around him.
    — Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • Prawn and black truffle dumplings are a joy, the shimmering black casings colored with charcoal powder and stuffed with toothsome shrimp.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of joy
Noun
  • For a nickel, Minnesotans could get a candy bar packed with peanuts that would both satiate a sweet tooth and fill an empty stomach.
    — Frankie McLister, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • The trend is expanding across candy, chips, sauces and drinks.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Definition of candy
Verb
  • Chancery courts in Mississippi handle legal issues including equity disputes, family law, estate matters and land record cases, and chancery judges — also called chancellors — typically hear trials without a jury present.
    — Margaret Baker, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • His responsibilities included opening the facility, watching the children and handling most of the technology at the daycare, including the camera system.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of handle
Verb
  • The lawsuit also alleges that Penske and Boehly manipulated and misused California’s nonprofit laws.
    — Andrew Dalton, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has reported that AI training data and inputs are being manipulated and warned that attackers could influence model behavior by corrupting the information AI systems rely upon.
    — Syed Ali, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of manipulate

Phrases Containing treat

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treasury
treat
treated
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Cite this Entry

“Treat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treat. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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