endear

verb en·dear \ in-ˈdir , en- \

|Updated on: 22 Jun 2018

Definition of endear

endeared; endearing; endears

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

See endear defined for English-language learners

See endear defined for kids

Recent Examples of endear from the Web

The thing that endeared him most to manager Buck Showalter was his ability to pitch whenever he was needed.

— peter schmuck, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles lefty Richard Bleier confirms he'll have surgery, hopes to be back in time for spring training," 16 June 2018
Many of the women who’ve gotten through primaries still face uphill battles in November in Republican-leaning states and districts, where the qualities that endeared them to a Democratic primary electorate might not translate.

— molly ball, Time, "‘It’s a Sea Change’ for Democratic Women in the Primaries," 14 June 2018
Although some major league markets prefer local announcers tone down criticism of the home team, Hutton’s honesty and insights generally endeared him to serious fans.

— craig davis, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Tommy Hutton will retain honest, critical eye in return to Marlins TV," 11 June 2018
Her earthy variety-show humor, filled with soldiers’ stories, patriotic songs, dancing and acrobatics, endeared her to the doughboys.

— erick trickey, Smithsonian, "The Sweetheart of the American Expeditionary Force," 6 June 2018
Her love woes and trouble conceiving, extensively portrayed onscreen, endeared her to me.

— jasmine sanders, The Cut, "Tristan Thompson Is ‘Exhausted’ From Cheating on Khloé," 31 May 2018
Tony Kemp heads it, his proclivity for contact what endears him so much to this part of the order.

— chandler rome, Houston Chronicle, "Astros grind out win against Red Sox in series opener," 31 May 2018
The litigation ended up costing the town $80,000 for its refusal to comply with state law on the matter, which didn’t particularly endear the Pyles to the conservative-leaning local community.

— mari uyehara, GQ, "How Free Speech Warriors Mainstreamed White Supremacists," 8 May 2018
And again, his tepid stance on slavery doesn’t endear him to those who understand the legacy of our nation’s sin.

— petula dvorak, Washington Post, "The 10 worst presidents: Besides Trump, whom do scholars scorn the most?," 20 Feb. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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.

Learn More about endear

See words that rhyme with endear Spanish Central: Translation of endear Britannica English: Translation of endear for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up endear? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

endear

Definition of endear

Recent Examples of endear from the Web

First Known Use of endear

ENDEAR Defined for Kids

endear

Definition of endear for Students

Learn More about endear

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

notorious

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The Last Word on 'Finalize'

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Centuries and How to Refer to Them

If the Shoe Fits

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Name More Food!

Spell It

Word Winder's CrossWinder

The Last Word on 'Finalize'

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word

endear

Definition of endear

Recent Examples of endear from the Web

First Known Use of endear

Phrases Related to ENDEAR

Related Phrases

ENDEAR Defined for Kids

endear

Definition of endear for Students

Learn More about endear

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Last Word on 'Finalize'

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word