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
For about 44 awkward seconds inside a nightclub, Cathy Engelbert was indeed the beloved commissioner of the WNBA. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 This is The Fantasticks, known and adored across the globe, in a Broadway premiere that brings glorious new life to the beloved classic. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 5 Sep. 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
  • Re-loved is a more recent upcycling initiative that allows customers to return their wax jackets in exchange for a voucher.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
  • But the physical funeral home — the place where a loved one’s remains may be held — is not regulated by any state agency.
    — Susana Mendoza, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of loved
Noun
  • Copper peptides have become the darling of social media skin care hacks.
    — Will Stone, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The vaunted Miami Hurricanes were able to obliterate an undermanned Stanford team out west, and the Michigan State Spartans kicked off the Pat Fitzgerald era in style with a 30-20 win over MAC darlings Toledo on Friday.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • The Spanish brand has also announced the revival of one of its most cherished race bikes, the TSS350.
    — Bultaco, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The cherished cult classic from 1985 is an ideal showcase for Curry’s impeccable physical humor and timing.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of cherished
Noun
  • The gold complemented her ethereal lilac chiffon McQueen dress, featuring a sweetheart strapless neckline and flowing layers of delicate fabric.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • King doesn’t quite get the chance to build the necessary chemistry with her soulmate before Maridueña slips into an onscreen coma for the majority of the film, depriving them the childhood sweetheart backstory of the book.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of sweetheart
Adjective
  • Los Angeles is the clear favorite to win the Super Bowl with +500 odds.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Check out even more lingering Labor Day deals on your favorite tech.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 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
  • Graham birdied the last two holes to earn a precious halve against 17-year-old Miles Russell.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Catalytic converters made with precious metals palladium, platinum and rhodium are especially targeted, according to the Justice Department.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of precious
Noun
  • This is maybe one that a true pickle lover looking to experiment would really enjoy.
    — Bianca Harris, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • At the same time, in my experience, younger viewers today are far better film lovers than older ones.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2026.

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