dear 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdir How to pronounce dear (audio)
Definition of dearnext
1
as in valuable
commanding a large price caviar has always been among the dearest of foods

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in beloved
granted special treatment or attention spared no expense when caring for and feeding her dear little dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adorable
having qualities that tend to make one loved a dear friend that I would do anything for

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dear

2 of 2

noun

as in darling
a person with whom one is in love I love you, dear

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 dear
Adjective
The attack ads that exaggerate and lie about their opponents, without mentioning their myopic support for their dear leader whose baggage has destroyed America’s standing in the world, are astounding. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026 Now, this latest round will find the Top 2 classic restaurants that readers hold dear — and that’s a tall ask in a city full of favorites that have stood the test of time. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
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 Decked out for the holidays While the angel ornaments sit in a glass case, Donna holds two ornaments on the dining room Christmas tree dear. — Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 14 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dear
  1. valuable
  2. beloved
  3. adorable
  4. darling
  5. expensive
  6. loved
  7. sweet
  8. sweetheart
Adjective
  • Researchers in Germany are testing two processes to recover valuable metals from old magnets, including a method that uses ammonium chloride instead of conventional hydrochloric acid.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • An outright ban on the use of the technology would remove a valuable tool only because some departments have used it carelessly.
    — Edward Longe, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of valuable
Adjective
  • This iteration of the beloved children’s book revolves around the shenanigans that occur after a mischievous hat-wearing cat arrives to cheer up two siblings who move to a new town.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But isn’t the Fisherwoman, a kind of sister to Chaucer’s working woman—the five-times married Alison, the beloved first sovereign woman of English literature—content to be alone?
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • The two sides can also be snapped together to form a small top handle that’s adorable for nighttime events.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Preternaturally poised and absolutely adorable, Arlo seems genetically engineered to fit into Peter’s chaotic life and thrive.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of adorable
Noun
  • Meta isn't exactly a Wall Street darling at the moment either, as the stock fell 14% in October for its worst month since October 2022.
    — Ari Levy, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Once a darling of the city’s liberal elite, the Los Angeles mayor is facing a challenge from a younger progressive who has friends of her own in the entertainment industry.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • Several owners explored plans to preserve and restore the historic ship, but maintaining the aging vessel became increasingly expensive.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The problem is that delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats take a massive 15 percent to 30 percent cut on every order, largely because paying human drivers is expensive.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • The entire team at Public Health extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones during this difficult time.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Hall died Tuesday in Dallas surrounded by her loved ones, her family announced Wednesday in a statement.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • Jovovich wrapped up the sweet caption by praising her daughter’s strength, loyalty, and perseverance.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The musician first revealed that Delaney was expecting her first baby with a sweet post in April.
    — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of sweet
Noun
  • Companies that took money from the president’s family or got sweetheart government contracts are going to face real scrutiny.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Goebbels interviewed Wessel’s grieving mother and wrote of Jaenichen and Wessel as childhood sweethearts, as though their story was from romance fiction.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweetheart

Browse Nearby Words

deanships
dear
dears
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Cite this Entry

“Dear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dear. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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