ENDEAR Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

endear

verb

Definition of endear

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 But his larger-than-life personality also endeared him to people across the world, many of whom didn’t even watch the games. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 In lesser hands, Diablo Cody’s Rolodex of quirky zingers could come across more grating than endearing. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 19 July 2026 Nolan’s films, such as Inception, the Batman trilogy, Interstellar, and most recently Oppenheimer, have endeared him to cinephiles around the world. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026 That term is used frequently by fans of endearing male celebrities or characters who come across as sensitive, caring or vulnerable. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for endear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for endear

Verb

At his first principal assignment, Hammocks Middle, Villalobos was commended for engaging parents, essentially resurrecting the school’s PTSA.

— Austin Horn July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Reactions to Graves’ retirement Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas spoke at the Thursday press conference, commending Graves for her leadership.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Definition of commend

Verb

The seats feature heating, ventilation, and massaging capabilities up front, along with eight-way power adjustment and lumbar support.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026
Instead, an equipment staffer lugged a bag of balls into a side training room and was allotted an hour to massage the footballs to the preferred specifications.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of massage

Verb

By dint of being more active than Harris – and others – have been, Newsom has been able to ingratiate himself with donors.

— Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 16 July 2026
What drives her attempt to use female solidarity as a way to ingratiate herself with Priscilla, a woman who is seemingly her enemy?

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 July 2026

Definition of ingratiate

Verb

Avalos complimented his players’ ability to embrace hard work and not run away from it throughout the offseason.

— Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
During an interview with SensaCine México posted on Friday, July 24, the couple shared a little PDA after being complimented on their professional careers together.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Definition of compliment

Verb

Her mother in Kearney, Francesca Gambino Brown, congratulated her on social media last week as Brown prepares for the upcoming football season.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026
The sibling duo, locked in a hug, then headed up through the stands together as others congratulated Yamal on Spain’s win.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

Definition of congratulate

Verb

Ostensibly playing themselves, the group here gathers at a country manse to celebrate one member’s breakaway mainstream success — and for the other three to beg/cajole him into sharing that good fortune.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 28 July 2026
Someone there has to be gobbier and start cajoling players into their proper positions.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of cajole

Verb

Ugboaja was released later the same day after intervention from members of Texas’ congressional delegation and public outcry over the detention of a nun wearing her habit on her way to worship.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Brazil worship their creative wingers and Palmeiras’ under-20 star Conceicao — nicknamed Dudu — is one of the next great hopes.

— Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of worship

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“Endear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endear. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of endear

verb

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