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.
Their rugged endurance is what endears Jeeps to car-lovers with a sense of history and who appreciate the significance of a vehicle that defined an indefatigable generation. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025 One of the ways Bradley has endeared himself to supporters is his natural tenacity when defending — but that aggression does get him into trouble. Andy Jones, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Busting cops did not endear him to his former colleagues in blue, not surprisingly. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025 That blend has endeared Weiss to readers and power players in Los Angeles, where her friendship with A-List celebrities and media moguls has been well documented. Max Tani, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 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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