endearing

1 of 2

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

endearing

2 of 2

present participle of endear

Synonyms of endearing

Adjective

• adorable
• dear
• sweet

Examples of endearing in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Another endearing dining feature at the property is its honesty pantry containing drinks and snacks to go and a coffee station for early risers—guests can feel free to pad about any time of day or night. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Started in 2019, FuelFest is a traveling exhibition that’s proving as endearing and enduring as its cinematic inspiration. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026

Cruz also makes a brief but endearing appearance as the Happy Medium, named with a pun for her optimism and gift of second sight. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

His most endearing subject is Greg Chism, a father of two daughters in small-town Illinois. — Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1766, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for endearing

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