endeared; endearing; endears
Synonyms of endearnext

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.
So even if a veteran baseball broadcaster is merely pretty good in those aspects, the familiarity, the comfort factor, the association with their team, is enough to endear that broadcaster to his listeners. — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026 After a 7-6 debut season as the Volunteers head coach in 2009, Kiffin endeared himself to the Tennessee fan base by accusing former Florida coach Urban Meyer of cheating during a recruiting battle. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 But that’s what endears him to his fans, who appreciate the chthonic split between the aerial skate aesthete and the grieving empath. — Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026 That vow endeared him to Hovey and many of his neighbors in the heavily agricultural Oceana County. — Owen McCarthy, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026 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 27 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

: to cause to become dear or beloved
her generosity has endeared her to the public

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