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
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
Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear.
—Time Staff, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2024
Advertisement The ad did little good for his daughter in a deep-red state that once held the Cheney family dear but is now thoroughly in Trump’s corner.
—Mead Gruver, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dear
Adjective
Celebrity chef Robert Irvine is looking forward to his second year at Chefs Making Waves saying the floating festival has quickly become dear to him.
—Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear.
—Time Staff, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
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
Advertisement The ad did little good for his daughter in a deep-red state that once held the Cheney family dear but is now thoroughly in Trump’s corner.
—Mead Gruver, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dear
Adjective
-
For me, seeking out inspirational authors and motivational online creators has been a valuable way to navigate what works best at my own pace.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2025
-
The deal covers minerals, including rare earth elements, but also other valuable resources, including oil and natural gas, according to the text released by Ukraine's government.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
Not only is our favorite produce abundant at the farmers' market, but family cookouts and warm-weather gatherings with friends fill the calendar, giving the perfect opportunity to make certain beloved Southern recipes that feel fit for the season.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Check out some of The Alarm’s most beloved hits below.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The PJs are available in five styles overall, including an adorable strawberry print and striped pattern.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Snag this adorable throw pillow from Joanna Gaines’ collab with Loloi or prep for summer weather with this statement-making outdoor umbrella.—
Megan Schaltegger,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
At that point, the band had already transitioned from country stars to crossover darlings, racking up several of pop radio wins.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Derik Queen This year’s March Madness darling continues rising in mock drafts.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Critics dismissed it as expensive and unnecessary, arguing that students could read a guide or browse online forums for free.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Mandatory spending—like those entitlement programs—is much more expensive than discretionary spending.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In the sweet mash process, a fresh mash is made every time.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Delicately sweet figs balance the tang and sour bite of balsamic vinegar.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The pair welcomed their first child, Stefan Djokovic, in 2014 before the trio became a family of four in 2017 with the birth of their daughter, Tara Djokovic. 27 of 29 Alex & Lisa Gaskarth All Time Low’s frontman Alex Gaskarth wed his high school sweetheart, Lisa, in 2016 after 12 years together.—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
One of the most talked about K-dramas so far this year is Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines, a moving, intergenerational family saga that follows the trials and triumphs of Oh Ae-sun and her devoted childhood sweetheart Yang Gwan-sik from the 1960s to present-day South Korea.—
Regina Kim,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
When a curious 6-year-old met a playful dolphin, their precious connection created pure magic.—
Ronnie Li,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Rallying since November 2024, the precious metal peaked at just over $3,500 on April 22.—
Dan Irvine,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dear. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share