endear

verb

en·​dear in-ˈdir How to pronounce endear (audio)
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
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.
Johansson’s direction is assured here, establishing the intimacy between these two older women with the kind of endearing eye usually reserved for stories about girlhood. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025 Critics of the president charge that the large gift could endear him to the Qatari cause, shifting American policy in a manner beneficial to the Gulf monarchy. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2025 Armed with an arsenal of reggaeton grooves and relatable lyrics, the singer born Carolina Giraldo Navarro conquered the charts and endeared herself to legions of fans with her sonic confessionals of love and self-empowerment. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 15 May 2025 As a non-roster invitee to the Dodgers' major league spring training camp, Rushing displayed the patience at the plate that endeared him to the organization in the first place. Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for endear

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of endear was in 1580

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Endear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endear. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

endear

verb
en·​dear in-ˈdi(ə)r How to pronounce endear (audio)
: to cause to become dear or beloved
her generosity has endeared her to the public

More from Merriam-Webster on endear

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