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 outlet claimed he’s been concerned about his dear friend, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who vanished from the spotlight after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2026 Our dear old Katie, who used to wake us up every morning with her cheery smile, is now nothing more than a miserable LIB Boomer who comments on Danica Patrick's Instagram posts in the middle of the night. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 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
  • But many of us have buried our beloved pets in our yards beneath new trees as an alternative to cremation.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • For this year’s show at Compton Verney, Cadogan has taken inspiration from British people who’ve written to her about losing beloved trees in their own gardens, or public spaces.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • The monkeys are adorable from a distance and mischievous up close.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Simultaneously, Fumiko and Emi cross paths at the library, where the revelation that the family at least tangentially responsible for her son’s death now have an adorable little sprog of their own, threatens to send Emi into an emotional tailspin.
    — James Marsh, Variety, 29 Oct. 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
  • The ensuing advertising battle for Davis' seat cost well over $50 million, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact, ranking among the most expensive House races nationally.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The Senate election was the most expensive non-presidential race on record in advertisement spending, according to AdImpact, which tracks ad buys.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • Closet Confidential Shop for pre-loved designer fashions, accessories and more to benefit Dress for Success Georgia’s work to help women across the state move forward in their careers and lives.
    — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The tasks that OpenAI is testing can vary widely — from apartment hunting to caring for a loved one.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • Soft, sweet and dusted with sugar, pan de muerto, the bread of the dead, is a traditional Mexican bread made for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
    — Daniela Cintron, AJC.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Related Earlier this month, the group’s label, HYBE x Geffen, stated that Laforteza would return to the stage in January, which would be sweet timing for the Asia run.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweet
Noun
  • 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
  • Gregory's mother-in-law told The Telegraph the couple were school sweethearts who had been together for over 20 years.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 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 6 Nov. 2026.

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