beloved 1 of 2

adjective

bi-ˈləvd How to pronounce beloved (audio)
Definition of belovednext
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention her beloved cat sleeps in its own little bed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

beloved

2 of 2

noun

as in darling
a person with whom one is in love searching for some incredibly romantic spot in which to ask his beloved to marry him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of beloved
Adjective
To Kill a Mockingbird While Scout Finch and her father, Atticus, have become beloved characters of American literature, this novel’s true power lies in its heartbreaking account of race and injustice in the American South. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 In addition to the freebie, Krispy Kreme has rolled out a new doughnut collection that features five beloved characters and a special Poké Ball doughnut. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
While wondering if his beloved will ever return, Jesse also grapples with grief, paranoia and family drama. — Caroline Killilea, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 Miller also strategically employs the Pietà in his Confederate Women’s Monument, turning to Michelangelo’s later Depositional group from the Pietà Bandini, in which the dead Christ is not draped on Mary’s lap and knees but undulates across the bodies of his earthbound beloveds. — Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beloved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beloved
  1. loved
  2. darling
  3. cherished
  4. sweetheart
  5. favorite
  6. dear
  7. precious
  8. lover
Adjective
  • After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • No details about the funeral service have yet been released, though TMZ reported that her family is planning a small ceremony in Nashville for her closest family and loved ones.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of loved
Noun
  • The Beloved will face stiff competition from fellow Cannes darling La Bola Negra, which has many fans.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Every year brings a handful of new Netflix darlings — Adolescence dominated the awards circuit just last year!
    — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archwell Productions partnered with Beautiful Stories and AJNA Films on the doc about one of America’s most cherished rituals, Girl Scout Cookie season.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
  • His return ensures continuity for fans of the annual tournament and allows Ravech to maintain a cherished assignment despite significant professional changes.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of cherished
Noun
  • Somewhere in the city is his former high school sweetheart, Dallas Bryan (Agudong), who is building her new career, chasing her dreams, and not looking back.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
  • America’s sweetheart Dolly Parton sadly died on Tuesday, August 25, at age 80.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweetheart
Adjective
  • My favorite scare must have been accomplished with the person-doubling technology from The Prestige.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • It's positioned by the infinity pool and our favorite slice of sand, where beanbag loungers squat in front of a cocktail bar and a cinema-sized projector on movie nights.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Roberts hopes the new restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner and features a full bar specializing in classic Southern cocktails and bellinis, will give guests a taste of the flavors and comfort he’s held dear for decades.
    — Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Early on, Leonardo Spinazzola made a mistake similar to the one Billy Gilmour committed last week, one that cost Napoli dear against Torino.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of dear
Adjective
  • Because of the close relationship between land use and food scarcity, there’s also a theory that farmland will only become more precious as the population grows.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Solid gold is both precious and long-lasting, customers are more intentional with their purchases.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of precious
Noun
  • Her daughter, who is an animal lover, has learned about marine creatures by scuba diving and going on submarine rides on their trips.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Overnight, the foundation became a staple among makeup artists and beauty lovers worldwide, thanks to its second-skin finish and lit-from-within glow.
    — Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of lover

Browse Nearby Words

belongs
beloved
beloveds
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Cite this Entry

“Beloved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beloved. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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