1
as in valuable
commanding a large price
caviar has always been among the dearest of foods
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
as in darling
a person with whom one is in love
I love you, dear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dear
Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
Then my dear rabbi and friend, Rabbi Dan Levin, called me.
—Lori Brock, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2024
Somehow the ethereal little dears were inapprehensible without words.
—Tom Wolfe, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dear
Adjective
While some might say that was a sign of progress, Roby equates it as to losing a dear friend.
—Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
Then my dear rabbi and friend, Rabbi Dan Levin, called me.
—Lori Brock, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
At a recent event raising money for the Men Wear Pink campaign and for the Cincinnati Friars Club, another charity dear to Altenau's heart, the ambassadors climbed on stage and sang her a song.
—Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2024
Somehow the ethereal little dears were inapprehensible without words.
—Tom Wolfe, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dear
Adjective
-
Clymer said his most valuable advice for a prospective SAR team member is to be curious and open to learning new skills.—
Jayme Moye,
Outside,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Now, more than ever, the Japanese giant is expanding the footprint of its valuable intellectual property (IP) across movies to merchandise and theme parks, betting on nostalgia and new gamers, to drive sales of its flagship Switch 2 console and key games.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Timed to major releases like Project Hail Mary and featuring beloved classics like Star Wars and Batman, these kits range from display-worthy collectibles to interactive builds that come to life with the new Lego Smart Brick System.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Many have traded in lounge pants for long skirts, and they’re primed to become some of the most beloved looks in your cold-weather wardrobe.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Whoa, that’s adorable and important.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Customers who weren’t able to get a pastel-colored tote last year are over the moon about having another shot at these adorable little bags.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For trips to the grocery store or farmer’s market, grab this darling reusable tote that's on sale for $20 and can hold up to 35 pounds.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
24 Feb. 2026
-
His work, where man meets machine, has been embraced by some of the world's most prestigious museums, auction houses and collectors and has made Anadol a darling of the tech world.—
Sharyn Alfonsi,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, families with resources opt out —moving to more expensive neighborhoods, hiring tutors, or paying private tuition that now rivals college costs.—
Jacquelyn Martell,
New York Daily News,
28 Feb. 2026
-
An additional option if only replacing one tire, especially with very expensive tires, is to have the new replacement shaved down to match the tread depth of the other tires.—
Hartford Courant,
Hartford Courant,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Beadles’ family spoke at Clark’s sentencing hearing about the pain of not knowing what happened to their loved one, according to the DA’s office.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
27 Feb. 2026
-
And above all, friends and loved ones are an essential component.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Upsimples Set of 3 5x7-Inch Photo Frames This sweet home decor deal, featuring three 5x7-inch photo frames, comes out to $3 apiece.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Feb. 2026
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Some unique ideas for the shower hosts include a simple candle with a sweet note, a single flower in a keepsake bud vase just for the host, or a charming cocktail napkin set.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
On Saturday, the 53-year-old actress attended the South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting Village on the sand with her son Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, 32 (dad is Vergara’s ex husband/high school sweetheart, Joe Gonzalez).—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
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The high school sweethearts moved to Cape Cod full time about 18 years ago after Jerry Boucher retired from Connecticut Natural Gas.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dear. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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