endear

verb

en·​dear in-ˈdir 

en-

endeared; endearing; endears

transitive verb

1

: to cause to become beloved or admired

her generosity has endeared her to the public

2

obsolete : to make higher in cost, value, or estimation

Examples of endear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Parton endeared herself to the red and the blue, the heartland and the coasts, even as the monoculture splintered and political polarization turned friends into strangers. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

Lydon, the singer, was smart, gobby and gleefully provocative, which endeared him to the band’s manager, Malcolm McLaren, a fashion designer who’d briefly managed the New York Dolls. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 23 Aug. 2026

The resort has a refreshingly unpretentious vibe, and now oddly-endearing late-80s aesthetic from when it was first designed and built. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

For three decades, the cartoon superhero has endeared himself to generations — including Isbel’s son, Lane. — Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing endear

• endear to

Rhymes for endear

• adhere
• ameer
• amir
• appear
• arrear
• astir
• austere
• career
• cashier
• cohere
• compere
• emir

Kids Definition

endear

verb

en·​dear in-ˈdi(ə)r 

: to cause to become dear or beloved

her generosity has endeared her to the public