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 This approach not only endears her to fans but also resonates with a broader audience that values authenticity and conscious consumerism. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 His instincts as a pass defender and fearlessness against the run will endear him to most coaches. 51. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Feb. 2024 The fact that these drinks can be sold at a premium has endeared them to stores, Baskin said. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2024 Their combination of sprightly cuteness, small size and determination — they were originally bred to roust badgers — endear them to many. Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2024 Reese was allegedly given the nickname based on her love for eyelash extensions, long nails and love of the color pink, but her style of play on the court is what endeared her to the Tiger faithful. Thomas Baker, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Such distinctions, however, did not deter Johnson from seizing more chances to endear himself to Trump. David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 When Chelsea chose Jimmy in the end, Trevor seemed genuinely devastated, and that endeared him to fans even more. Sam Reed, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2024 Tommaso also has the love of the town’s most stunning woman, Lucia (Jasmine Trinca), which only endears Rocco to him further. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of endear was in 1580

Dictionary Entries Near endear

Cite this Entry

“Endear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endear. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!