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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
The new track fuses Scott’s trap foundation with Homem-Christo’s cinematic electronic soundscape, making for what’s sure to be a knockout background song for the beloved game. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026 The latest installment in the beloved franchise introduces a brand-new cast of heroes, but its compelling storylines, inventive battles, and heart still remain the same. — Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 18 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
  • At its worst, cognitive impairment can be a horrible, life-altering disease for patient and loved ones.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Epps portrayed Marcus Cowans, an ex-con trying to put his life back together with the support of his loved ones.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of loved
Noun
  • Lens, Heart of Midlothian and Thun were media darlings last season making bold runs at their first league titles for many decades.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Well, the cast of the upcoming season of The Traitors now has Emmy and Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth, Lost star Dominic Monaghan, and sitcom (and Vulture) darling Casey Wilson, as well as Olympian Chloe Kim.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • The Emerging Filmmakers Program A long-standing partnership between HSDFF and Arkansas TV, the Emerging Filmmakers Program is one of HSDFF’s most cherished educational initiatives.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Beyond the estate’s gates, Asheville has grown alongside it into one of the South’s most cherished mountain destinations.
    — Abby Price, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of cherished
Noun
  • The family soon moved to Kentucky, where Kingsolver’s parents, high-school sweethearts, had been born and raised, and settled in the small town of Carlisle, where another daughter was born.
    — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Victor, played by Harrison, is Gabby’s high school sweetheart and now husband, who grew up in a big, loving family and can’t wait to have his own.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of sweetheart
Adjective
  • Fiorella Valdesolo spoke with NYCB diehards about their favorite seats, the shows on their must-see lists, and where to eat and drink before and after the final curtain.
    — Fiorella Valdesolo, Curbed, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Unsuspecting shoppers inevitably will be lured by the delicious smells — and perhaps find their new favorite food court vendor.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Whether these ads were meant to imply that clutching and shifting was too physical for women, too unladylike, or just too complex for the little dears is not clear.
    — Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 14 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of dear
Adjective
  • Seeing these two girl dads tear up about walking their babies down the aisle, the passage of time, and the inviolate personhood of their daughters was tender and precious.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • One burns the only copy of her sister’s precious handwritten manuscript; at least two others set houses on fire, one while her unsuspecting parents are still asleep inside.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of precious
Noun
  • This year, there’s something for nearly every interest, from cheese lovers and bookworms to crafty adults and puzzle enthusiasts.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • This is our introduction to He and She, two clownish, pugilistic lovers who are locked in a war of words, even as a literal war rages outside.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 24 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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