Synonyms of dear

dear 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdir 

1

as in valuable

commanding a large price

caviar has always been among the dearest of foods

Synonyms & Similar Words

• valuable
• expensive
• precious
• costly
• premium
• high
• extravagant
• priceless
• pricey
• luxurious
• high-end
• pricy
• spendy
• high-ticket
• big-ticket
• steep
• exorbitant
• ultraexpensive
• invaluable
• unreasonable
• prohibitive
• inestimable
• uneconomical
• unaffordable
• uneconomic
• overpriced
• deluxe
• sky-high
• sumptuous
• stiff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reasonable
• inexpensive
• cheap
• moderate
• worthless
• valueless
• discounted

2

as in beloved

granted special treatment or attention

spared no expense when caring for and feeding her dear little dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

• beloved
• loved
• cherished
• precious
• darling
• favorite
• sweet
• special
• adored
• pet
• favored
• fond
• fair-haired
• white-headed
• esteemed
• appreciated
• admired
• revered
• treasured
• prized
• preferred
• relished

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• despised
• disliked
• hated
• ignored
• detested
• forgotten
• unbeloved
• loathed
• abhorred
• disfavored
• abandoned
• alienated
• estranged
• disdained
• execrated
• unfavorite
• abominated

3

as in adorable

having qualities that tend to make one loved

a dear friend that I would do anything for

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adorable
• sweet
• precious
• loved
• lovely
• beautiful
• darling
• lovable
• beloved
• charming
• endearing
• loveable
• cherished
• winning
• attractive
• enchanting
• disarming
• lovesome
• favorite
• winsome
• delightful
• treasured
• desirable
• favored
• admirable
• cheerful
• fascinating
• appealing
• pleasant
• alluring
• nice
• kind
• embraceable
• reputable
• kissable
• pleasing
• gracious
• likeable
• engaging
• entrancing
• friendly
• likable
• respectable
• agreeable
• cordial
• captivating
• good-natured
• affable
• genial
• fetching
• good-tempered
• well-disposed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• odious
• hateful
• loathsome
• abominable
• detestable
• unpleasant
• horrible
• abhorrent
• wretched
• disagreeable
• offensive
• unloved
• disgusting
• lousy
• contemptible
• ugly
• nasty
• frightful
• distasteful
• hideous
• heinous
• monstrous
• repulsive
• awful
• unlovable
• repugnant
• grotesque
• dreadful
• vile
• unattractive
• repellent
• shocking
• appalling
• horrid
• obnoxious
• unsightly
• foul
• scandalous
• obscene
• sickening
• revolting
• unlikable
• ill-favored
• horrendous
• ogreish
• repellant
• noisome
• nauseating

dear

2 of 2

noun

as in darling

a person with whom one is in love

I love you, dear

Synonyms & Similar Words

• darling
• sweetheart
• sweetie
• beloved
• sweet
• girlfriend
• love
• wife
• lover
• boyfriend
• husband
• hon
• flame
• girl
• honey
• boy
• mistress
• truelove
• sweetie pie
• squeeze
• bride
• fellow
• gal
• lass
• beau
• paramour
• pet
• inamorata
• ladylove
• man
• admirer
• steady
• swain
• doll
• amour
• wooer
• date
• gallant
• groom
• escort
• fiancé
• suitor
• significant other
• intended
• duck(s)
• tootsie
• crush
• heartthrob

Examples of dear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As book bans and budget cuts threaten the familiar spots many hold dear, Miller and other members of LibraryTok are infusing joy back into the library experience. —Scottie Andrew, CNN, 29 Sep. 2024

Paris Jackson understands exactly why her dad wanted to bond her to his dear friend, the Oscar-winning screen legend Elizabeth Taylor. Paris, 26, appears in the new three-part BBC documentary series Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 30 Sep. 2024

Noun

The little dear has always been a particular favorite of mine. —Patrick Bedard, Car and Driver, 26 Jan. 2023