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
This week’s rapturous After Dark selection also reminded me of something hopeful a dear friend said recently. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 17 July 2026 My dear friend Valerie Chu, who’s one of our writers, is being recognized. — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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
  • As luxury becomes both more ubiquitous and more expensive, being desirable without being everywhere could prove a valuable position to hold.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • To further complicate things, baseball is heading toward a labor fight in which owners are aiming to swap short-term financial pain for cost caps that would make every team more valuable.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of valuable
Adjective
  • DeLeo and her family were spending Saturday at home preparing for their nephew’s 4th birthday party, one day before they were supposed to drive to Uniontown for the funeral of their beloved aunt, when the alert about the fire came.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The beloved comfort shoe has become a styling staple for those who know that the coolest looks are often the ones that feel effortless.
    — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • For a more casual pair of comfy everyday flats, try these adorable Dolce Vita jelly shoes.
    — Jordan Julian, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Ted was an adorable lead and head coach and despite his lack of experience or knowledge of soccer, his remarkable way with people took everyone off guard, including viewers.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of adorable
Noun
  • Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma stars Hannah Einbinder, veteran of the Emmy-darling Hacks series opposite Jean Smart.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Cotswolds have been the darling of British summertime for many years, popular with Londoners looking to escape city life.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • Above and below him on our list sit the two most expensive shot-stoppers of all time, whose big-money moves were followed by contrasting fortunes.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • As luxury becomes both more ubiquitous and more expensive, being desirable without being everywhere could prove a valuable position to hold.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • This feeling also ripples throughout the community, casting a shadow on fellow classmates, family and loved ones.
    — Narmeen Khan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Though the teens have been identified by families and loved ones as those in the Grand Junction community share memories and rally around those left behind.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • Kotb had an arts and crafts session with her daughters in May 2023, creating sweet paintings with their handprints.
    — Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Fresh tropical fruit, perfectly prepared eggs, sweet mango juice, and warm pastries.
    — Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweet
Noun
  • Robertson married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, in 1956.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Robert quickly takes an interest in student body president Susan Reynolds (Kaia Gerber), best frenemy of Liz’s daughter Debbie Schaffer (Hayes Warner) and high school sweetheart of sensitive jock Thom Wright (Graham Campbell).
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 4 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dear for Spanish Speakers

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