endear

verb

en·​dear in-ˈdir How to pronounce endear (audio)
en-
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.
But Busch’s attitude did not endear him to everyone, including his then-team, Hendrick Motorsports. Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 21 May 2026 Over time, these efforts — or at least some — have endeared Colossal to many conservationists, who may not think using vast sums to de-extinct animal proxies is the best use of resources, but who see the benefit of an influx of interest and capital into the space. Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026 But then Cat Hardy walks into his office and hires him to investigate a friend’s disappearance (killing an errant spider with a newspaper, which probably won’t endear her to Spidey). ArsTechnica, 19 May 2026 This has not always endeared him to some Democratic partisans. Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 May 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 28 May. 2026.

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

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