Gem — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb abbreviation /ˈjem/

Meaning & Definition of Gem

Gem (noun)

  1. jewel
  2. a precious or sometimes semiprecious stone cut and polished for ornament
  3. something prized especially for great beauty or perfection

Gem (verb)

  1. to adorn with or as if with gems

Gem (abbreviation)

  1. ground-effect machine

Gem (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a usually valuable stone cut and polished for ornament

    "a ring set with diamonds and other precious gems"

    similar: brilliant, gemstone, jewel, rock (slang)
    related: bauble, bijou, trinket, birthstone, baguette, cabochon, cameo, scarab, solitaire, teardrop, paste, rhinestone, zircon, crown jewels, jewelry
    near: rough

  2. someone or something unusually desirable

    "that new car is a real gem"

    "she's dating a real gem these days"

    similar: catch, jewel, pearl, plum, prize, treasure
    related: blessing, find, godsend, goody, valuable, windfall, booty, loot, plunder, spoil, swag, brass ring, glory, pride, gold, jackpot, prize money, treasure trove
    near: lemon, loser

Gem (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in diamond, jewel

    similar: diamond, impearl, jewel, pearl, accessorize, dress up, trap, trick (out), brighten, freshen, smarten, spruce (up), boss, chase, braid, embroider, feather, figure, filigree, fillet, flounce, frill, fringe, furbelow, garland, hang, lace, ribbon, swag, wreathe, appliqué, gild, paint, redecorate, redo, adorn, array, beautify, bedeck, bedizen, blazon, caparison, deck, decorate, do, doll up, do up, drape, dress, embellish, emblaze, emboss, enrich, fancify, fancy up, festoon, garnish, glitz (up), grace, gussy up, ornament, pretty (up), trim
    opposite: simplify, streamline, bare, denude, dismantle, display, divest, expose, reveal, strip, uncover, uglify, blemish, deface, disfigure, mar, scar, spoil

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Gem

The most common words with a similar meaning to Gem:

Slang: rock
brilliant, gemstone, jewel, catch, pearl, plum, prize, treasure, diamond, impearl, accessorize, dress up, trap, trick (out), brighten, freshen, smarten, spruce (up), boss, chase, braid, embroider, feather, figure, filigree, fillet, flounce, frill, fringe, furbelow, garland, hang, lace, ribbon, swag, wreathe, appliqué, gild, paint, redecorate

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Gem

Words with the opposite meaning of Gem:

simplify, streamline, bare, denude, dismantle, display, divest, expose, reveal, strip, uncover, uglify, blemish, deface, disfigure, mar, scar, spoil

Related Words for Gem

bauble, bijou, trinket, birthstone, baguette, cabochon, cameo, scarab, solitaire, teardrop, paste, rhinestone, zircon, crown jewels, jewelry, blessing, find, godsend, goody, valuable, windfall, booty, loot, plunder, spoil, brass ring, glory, pride, gold, jackpot

Near Antonyms of Gem

rough, lemon, loser

Word Forms of Gem

Inflections: gemmed, gemming

Origin & Etymology of Gem

Middle English gemme, from Anglo-French, from Latin gemma bud, gem

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Gem

What does "Gem" mean?

"Gem" means jewel. As an a noun, a verb and an abbreviation, it is defined as: jewel. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Gem"?

Other words for "Gem" include brilliant, gemstone, jewel, rock, catch, pearl, plum and prize. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Gem" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Gem"?

There are 102 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Gem". Common alternatives include brilliant, gemstone, jewel, rock, catch, pearl, plum, prize, treasure and diamond.

What is the opposite of "Gem"?

Antonyms of "Gem" include simplify, streamline, bare, denude, dismantle, display, divest and expose. Near antonyms include rough, lemon and loser.

How do you use "Gem" in a sentence?

Examples of "Gem" in a sentence: "a ring set with diamonds and other precious gems"; "that new car is a real gem"; "she's dating a real gem these days".

Is "Gem" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Gem" can be used as a noun, a verb and an abbreviation, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Gem"?

"Gem" is pronounced /ˈjem/.

What is the origin of the word "Gem"?

"Gem" comes from Middle English gemme, from Anglo-French, from Latin gemma bud, gem. First known use: 14th century.