endear

verb en·dear \ in-ˈdir , en- \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of endear

transitive verb

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

2 : to cause to become beloved or admired

her generosity has endeared her to the public

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Recent Examples of endear from the Web

Cordray said about his tenure at the CFPB, which has endeared him to progressives.

— peter doocy, Fox News, "Democrats, Republicans battle for Ohio’s governor seat," 6 Apr. 2018
Pacino’s Paterno is almost endearing in his football geekery.

— matthew gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, "A legend crumbles in HBO’s ‘Paterno’," 3 Apr. 2018
In all, Staub hit .341 with 11 RBIs in his only postseason, a clutch and gritty performance that endeared him to Mets fans forever.

— mike fitzpatrick, chicagotribune.com, "Rusty Staub, the All-Star slugger whose career spanned 23 seasons, dies at 73," 29 Mar. 2018
Besides the big production numbers, the show also has its share of endearing musical numbers in which individual performers get to shine.

— mike giuliano, Howard County Times, "All roads lead to musical comedy," 22 Mar. 2018
These endearing siblings are the very definition of resiliency.

— idahostatesman, "Meet Christian and Kyle," 4 Mar. 2018
That might seem benign, or perhaps even endearing—the sound of the bustle of the big city.

— kate wagner, The Atlantic, "City Noise Might Be Making You Sick," 20 Feb. 2018
His spontaneous initiatives endear him to staff, residents and families.

— Houston Chronicle, "Treemont maintenance director Don Ibanez excels for 34-plus years," 15 Jan. 2018
Either one will endear you to your foodie friends forever.

— david weiss, Newsweek, "Gadget Lust: Smart Gifts for Smart Santas," 6 Dec. 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'endear.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of endear

1580

ENDEAR Defined for Kids

endear

verb en·dear \ in-ˈdir \

Definition of endear for Students

endeared; endearing

: to make beloved or admired

His kind nature endeared him to all.

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endear

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