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.
Viral Princess Kate and Sophie's Perfect Curtsy Moment Goes Viral Despite the high-pressure setting—broadcast globally and steeped in centuries of tradition—George's poise and focus endeared him to viewers and royal watchers. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 The big promises have, unsurprisingly, endeared him to the Democratic party’s liberal wing. Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 25 June 2025 Pritzker, who has endeared himself to the party’s progressive wing, would surely have to run to the left of Emanuel, who has staked out an explicitly centrist position. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 Mayor Eric Adams has endeared some people with his young-leaning personality, but his attempts at being down-to-earth have also gotten him into multiple pickles over the years. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 17 June 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 1 Jul. 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

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!