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
Grey’s Anatomy fans can rest easy knowing that the beloved medical drama has officially been renewed for season 23. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 This is Southport's favorite son, and one of golf's most beloved figures because of his grace handling more tough losses than wins. — ABC News, 18 July 2026
Noun
But who, in this case, is the beloved? — New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026 Both helped design custom engagement rings for their beloveds. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 8 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
  • Following the funeral and vigil, the military will offer support for her loved ones, along with Legion Post 597 based in Carrollton.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • Her concerns were ultimately met with support from her loved ones.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
Definition of loved
Noun
  • Cape Verde, the darlings of the tournament, held Spain scoreless.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
  • Skorts are the easy, breezy trend picking up steam again this summer, after being spotted by pop darlings like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 19 July 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • Shadow is a calm, gentle husky, a nice girl who will become a cherished member of any family.
    — Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 18 July 2026
  • In the aftermath, the community lost its most cherished annual affair and both COVID and rising insurance rates made bringing the festival back a longshot.
    — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
Definition of cherished
Noun
  • In 2021, Princess Mako, the niece of the emperor and eldest child of Crown Prince Ashikino and Crown Princess Kiko, renounced her royal titles and left the imperial family in order to marry her college sweetheart, Kei Komuro.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • Cannon was pre-deceased by his son, John, in April of this year, and by his wife and high school sweetheart, Jeanette, in September 2024.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 18 July 2026
Definition of sweetheart
Adjective
  • Her children are named Orlando and Ophelia after the place where her son was conceived and her favorite Taylor Swift song, respectively.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Readers cast 661,000 votes this year for their favorite cities, airlines, hotels and more, with editors describing the rankings as a snapshot of places resonating with travelers today.
    — Kimberly Tutuska, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Frankly, my dear, Tom Jacobsen doesn’t give a dome.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 15 July 2025
  • Black bag, my dear — her work trip sets off a chain reaction in which George’s strength, i.e., faith in their relationship, becomes his weakness.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of dear
Adjective
  • That forgiving quality is part of why the look feels livable rather than precious.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • Alongside Italy and Greece, Spain is one of the world's leading producers of the precious commodity and a global reference for prices.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 July 2026
Definition of precious
Noun
  • While this verdant island makes a lovely spot for a hike and a picnic on a sunny day, art lovers have two additional reasons to make the trip.
    — Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • And the long-term effects have paid dividends, helping foster new Ghibli lovers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beloved

Nglish: Translation of beloved for Spanish Speakers

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