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.
And without doubting the ongoing popularity of Toy Story and its sequels, the group most likely to look with special fondness upon Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the like are those who saw the first movie 31 years ago — once again, the parents. Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026 Lady Diana Spencer’s fondness for jewelry started early. Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026 Trump’s fondness for showmanship has not been a match for public anxiety about his presidency. ABC News, 24 June 2026 The director felt that using technology of the time that the manga was written felt thematically appropriate, but at the same time, there is admittedly a little nostalgic fondness at play. Kambole Campbell, Variety, 24 June 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 2 Jul. 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