endearing

adjective

en·​dear·​ing in-ˈdir-iŋ 

en-

: arousing feelings of affection or admiration

an endearing habit/quality

… the character he plays … is one of the most endearing on television …

—Frank Owen

endearingly

in-ˈdir-iŋ-lē 

en-

adverb

an endearingly warmhearted person

Synonyms of endearing

• adorable
• dear
• sweet

Examples of endearing in a Sentence

you have to wonder about people who don't find kittens and puppies endearing

his impish sense of humor is one of his more endearing traits

Recent Examples on the Web

Woodstock is an endearing, tiny yellow bird who is Snoopy’s friend and companion. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026

These items feel sentimental and humorous (in an endearing, nostalgic way). —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026

The endearing Illeta restaurant, which is reached via a wooden bridge from the beach, is perfect for a paella lunch surrounded by the sea. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026

Articulating the themes of the show, Dustin speaks with endearing authority about how friendships have been forged and strengthened through strife. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for endearing

• adhering
• appearing
• careering
• cohering
• inhering
• prehearing
• rehearing
• veneering
• bioengineering
• cheering
• clearing
• earing