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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
Javier, Marion, Anna, Dame Vanessa Redgrave, and our dear heroine Pippa Kelly all possess a true magic which has transformed our epic. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 Dolly Parton’s dearest family and friends gathered for a private Nashville funeral, laying the beloved musician to rest, her niece confirmed in an Instagram post. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Aug. 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
  • And in addition to uncovering valuable data on the business itself, the audit can look into how AI answer engines appear to respond to questions about a category, an industry and competitors.
    — Michelle Mekky, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Sustained across multiple member states over time, these attitudes could erode the institutional architecture that makes the EU such a valuable partner.
    — JONAS NAHM, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of valuable
Adjective
  • Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup No need to drive to Panera, this recipe brings the cozy, familiar flavors of the chain’s beloved broccoli and cheddar soup home.
    — Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Giuliani’s ascent to beloved national icon in the final months of his second term as mayor followed an otherwise tumultuous last year in office.
    — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • No, multiple academics have attempted to decipher the meaning behind the mightily adorable meow of the domestic house cat.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The adorable interaction highlights how simple enrichment activities can capture an animal's attention while supporting their overall welfare.
    — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of adorable
Noun
  • Training camp darling Dohnte Meyers contributed a slick catch-and-run, as did third-down back Samaje Perine.
    — Zak Keefer, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026
  • In the ’90s and early 2000s, Sarah Jessica Parker cemented herself as a bona fide fashion darling, wearing looks from designers like Oscar de La Renta and Chanel.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • David Greene was a bravura visualist, using expensive helicopter shots to capture us running through Central Park’s Sheep Meadow and dancing atop one of the World Trade Center towers.
    — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • That could become increasingly important for advanced military engines, where complex components and relatively small production runs can make traditional manufacturing processes time-consuming and expensive.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • The Los Angeles Police Department offered its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones of those who died during the crash.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • How eBay’s pre-loved runway works Rather than debut a brand-new collection, eBay built the Endless Runway around designer pieces already in circulation.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • But that wasn’t the only sweet surprise the artist and businessman had in store.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Atlanta chef David Rose’s sriracha-honey barbecue ribs combine smoked baby back ribs with a sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze and his 2-2-1 method for cooking tender ribs at home.
    — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of sweet
Noun
  • First incarcerated as a teenager, Big Ant has spent so much of his life locked up that his high school sweetheart, Lozita (a forceful Danielle Brooks), stays with him out of loyalty, not love.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Lois and Billy were childhood sweethearts and had been in a relationship since the age of 16.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 2026.

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