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
• spendy
• high-ticket
• big-ticket
• steep
• exorbitant
• ultraexpensive
• unreasonable
• invaluable
• prohibitive
• inestimable
• 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
• endearing
• charming
• winning
• cherished
• attractive
• enchanting
• lovesome
• delightful
• winsome
• favorite
• treasured
• desirable
• disarming
• favored
• admirable
• cheerful
• fascinating
• pleasant
• appealing
• nice
• alluring
• kind
• embraceable
• gracious
• reputable
• kissable
• pleasing
• 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
• 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
• hon
• husband
• girl
• flame
• boy
• honey
• mistress
• truelove
• sweetie pie
• squeeze
• bride
• fellow
• gal
• lass
• beau
• paramour
• pet
• inamorata
• ladylove
• man
• admirer
• steady
• doll
• swain
• amour
• wooer
• date
• gallant
• groom
• escort
• fiancé
• suitor
• significant other
• intended
• duck(s)
• tootsie
• crush
• heartthrob

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dear

Adjective

The pair became dear friends over the years, and Parton was there for McEntire in 1991 after a plane crash claimed eight members of McEntire’s band. — Maureen Chowdhury, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

Our dear friend Umar very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding. — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 14 Sep. 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