fondness

noun

fond·​ness ˈfän(d)-nəs How to pronounce fondness (audio)
Synonyms of fondnessnext
1
obsolete : foolishness, folly
2
: tender affection
3
: appetite, relish
had a fondness for argument

Examples of fondness in a Sentence

my fondness for you will never fail I have a fondness for expensive chocolate.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Reluctant to name favorite designers and boutiques for fear of insulting others, the actress spoke of her fondness for cashmere. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 9 June 2026 The trouble is that the city’s electorate is overwhelmingly Democratic, and the Republican candidate is a reality-television star with a fondness for pseudoscientific conspiracy theories and nothing resembling qualification for office. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 Shelley’s fondness for the composer is evident. Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 27 May 2026 Any fan of an SEC program that is over the age of 20 will always look back on that period of time with fondness. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fondness

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fondness was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fondness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fondness. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fondness

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster