endear

verb

Definition of endearnext
as in to commend
to cause (someone) to be loved or admired by (someone or something) They endeared themselves to the whole town.

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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 endear Balogun endeared himself to teammates and fans by maintaining a wide-eyed curiosity about America. — Sean Gregory, Time, 30 Sep. 2026 Within a few plays, the rookie running back endeared himself to Payton and to Broncos’ fans. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2026 So even if a veteran baseball broadcaster is merely pretty good in those aspects, the familiarity, the comfort factor, the association with their team, is enough to endear that broadcaster to his listeners. — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026 After a 7-6 debut season as the Volunteers head coach in 2009, Kiffin endeared himself to the Tennessee fan base by accusing former Florida coach Urban Meyer of cheating during a recruiting battle. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for endear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endear
  1. commend
  2. massage
  3. ingratiate
  4. compliment
  5. coax
  6. congratulate
  7. cajole
  8. worship
Verb
  • The Textile-to-Textile Ecosystem Award went to the Circulose Recycling Ecosystem, commending the brand commitments and fiber-producer partnerships supporting the Swedish company’s industrial restart.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In a statement this week, the ACLU of Kansas commended Overland Park police for updating its policy, and for including community members in the process.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Apply a thin layer of Dijon mustard with your hands, massaging it into the meat.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The 2027 Silverado gets a broader, more muscular face, a new grille and redesigned LED lighting, while the bodywork has been massaged to make the truck look even more substantial.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of massage
Verb
  • Typically, only a low-value male resorts to this behavior, turning to foot-licking as the easiest way to ingratiate himself with women.
    — Tucker Reals, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Great opportunity for Patterson here, get ‘em at the Update desk — a tactic Bill Murray famously tried in an attempt to ingratiate himself after a bumpy start as a cast member.
    — Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of ingratiate
Verb
  • Bruno says, also complimenting his improvement on his timing and his form.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • And the owners’ taste, in this case, is pleasant and broadly appealing, complimenting the home’s high ceilings and historic features.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of compliment
Verb
  • Finding this family and a few others in Europe, the Reaveys coaxed them to come together in 2010.
    — Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Lynn hadn’t released a solo album since 1988’s Who Was That Stranger when White coaxed her out of early retirement.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of coax
Verb
  • Please join me in congratulating Kayleen and welcoming Maria to XBOX!
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Everyone kept congratulating her on the long overdue success.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • But the Marlins plan to be moderately active in free agency — regardless of whether the owners succeed in cajoling the players to accept a salary cap and salary floor in what are expected to be contentious labor negotiations.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
  • But Ridgeway pushes on, trying various means — flattery, insults, amateur psychology — to cajole her into delivering a new Ripley book.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of cajole
Verb
  • The government characterized Lemon as part of the demonstration, arguing his actions at a church crossed the line from a reporting to a protesting role, violating the First Amendment right to worship and freedom of religion.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
  • During the days leading up to Vijayadashami, the goddess Durga is worshipped in her various forms as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of worship

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Cite this Entry

“Endear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endear. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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