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 And within seconds, amid euphoria, Balogun introduced and endeared himself to millions. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Phones came out when Lil Sobe did his endearing online bit IRL, rapping with his Ethiopian mom over TrapMoneyBiggie beats. — Mano Sundaresan, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026 There's familiarity, too — Edwards and James were teammates on the 2024 Olympic roster, an experience that reportedly endeared James to the young superstar. — Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 1 July 2026 The fun-loving, kilt-wearing Scottish fans took over Boston and South Florida and endeared themselves to both communities. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 27 June 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
  • Both kinds of patriotism have historical precedents to commend them.
    — Mark Brilliant, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • Instead of splashing photos of their designer gowns all over social media for fans to commend or criticize, the four brides have taken a beat.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 8 July 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Words have been parsed over, ideas about location, production design, costume, lighting have all been carefully massaged even up to the day of photography.
    — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The third button activates OmniStretch mode, which slowly moves the piston across its full range of motion to stretch your back and massage your spine.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026
Definition of massage
Verb
  • If a debtor refused to coöperate, Pitman might ingratiate himself, explaining, truthfully, that having the key sure would help him out, or that, without it, the lienholder would bundle the cost of making a new one into the price of getting the vehicle out of hock.
    — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • No doubt the Cady of this Cape Fear has the intelligence to try the same tactics, but one of the major ways the TV adaptation has distinguished itself from the movies — and has, finally, gotten itself into a groove — is that Cady has worked to ingratiate himself with the Bowdens.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 19 June 2026
Definition of ingratiate
Verb
  • All right, this is the patronizing version of complimenting the elderly.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
  • Just hours before the ceremony, Jason and Travis released a new episode of their podcast, New Heights, featuring Prince William, who complimented Jason on raising his four daughters.
    — Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of compliment
Verb
  • The American chased down the shot and coaxed an error from Muchová anyway.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 9 July 2026
  • Lift the spoon out gently to coax the flesh out from the skin.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
Definition of coax
Verb
  • Her Instagram followers congratulated her on the memorable catch.
    — Lisa Gutierrez July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
  • Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother James were also waiting to congratulate her, posing for group photos at the scene.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • Someone there has to be gobbier and start cajoling players into their proper positions.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • An honest summary would still pass the buck to the voters on a grossly dishonest scheme, but at least the voters might recognize a description that doesn’t cajole, coax and mislead them.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
Definition of cajole
Verb
  • Inside, inscriptions bearing Paser's name depict him worshipping various deities inside shrines, as well as seated with his wife before an offering table.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 July 2026
  • But for the peoples who worshipped there, that land was the church.
    — Kerri J. Malloy, The Conversation, 9 July 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 14 Jul. 2026.

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