near and dear

phrase

: very close in relationship

friends who are near and dear

my nearest and dearest friend

Examples of near and dear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Every day leading up to Christmas Eve, Silvy gathers in the kitchen with her Nonna, mom, and aunt to prepare the pasta, struffoli, and other Italian classics near and dear to Silvy’s heart. — Rachel Labonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026

Raymond's aesthetics and the aesthetics of Raymond are near and dear to my heart. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

So just imagine his joy and elation when those nearest and dearest to him recently gathered to give him an epic send-off to the Sunshine State to see his favorite team in action at the University of Florida in Gainesville. — Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

The Nightwatchman stuff and the acoustic stuff is near and dear to my heart. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for near and dear

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear