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
Too many corn dogs, too little time The California State Fair partakes annually in a beloved all-American tradition, with an arguably more challenging twist. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026 The gathering comes as Marvel prepares to bring many of those beloved characters into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Doomsday, marking the culmination of a journey that has been years in the making. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 26 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
  • For many people, body art is a meaningful way to commemorate a milestone, honor a loved one of simply express their individuality.
    — Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • Among those still searching for loved ones is Mary Cruz Andueza.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Definition of loved
Noun
  • And of course, waiver darling Josh Jung left Wednesday's game with calf tightness, placing even further stress on the supply.
    — John Laghezza, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Directed by their longtime collaborator Garth Jennings, the feature combines footage from their arena tour behind last year’s reunion album, More, with archival film tracing the band’s rise from tenacious Sheffield also-rans to Britpop darlings.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • Belafonte, for Middle America, may have been a cherished entertainer.
    — Joshua Jelly-Schapiro, Vanity Fair, 21 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of cherished
Noun
  • Deadline revealed earlier this week that Meta Golding would be joining the series regular cast for Season 2 as Mel, Angelo’s childhood sweetheart.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 July 2026
  • His wife and high school sweetheart, Midori Matsuoka Carpenter, is the executive director of the North Kansas Schools Education Foundation.
    — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 28 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
  • 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
  • The timepiece veers confidently into tool-watch territory, separating it from other precious-metal and bracelet Overseas models.
    — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 26 July 2026
  • Use this precious space to describe your related skills or experience, not the general importance of the role.
    — Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 25 July 2026
Definition of precious
Noun
  • For dessert, there’s a delicious coconut cake or, for the chocolate lovers, a fancy sort of s’mores cake.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • That Lane, an animal lover who excels at cracking open crazy stories with humor, heart, and a litany of perspectives, would follow Flaco is no surprise.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 30 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 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beloved

Nglish: Translation of beloved for Spanish Speakers

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