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.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar 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 endear One group drove to the ever-endearing town of Kingston, about 20 minutes away, while my partner and I used the day to explore more vintage stores, shops, and farm stands nearby. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026 These volumes will offer a glimpse into concepts and interiors endeared by fashion and design alike — and the visionary minds pioneering a new concept of living. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 But Ditka's hard-nosed, no-nonsense demeanor only further endeared him to Chicago fans. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 From Omi—which has endeared itself to our editors with its surprisingly effective peptide supplements—these gummies not only taste like pie filling but contain IFP-131 Hair Growth Peptides. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for endear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for endear

Verb

San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, after losing to the Senators on Saturday, called them the best team his team has faced all season, commending them for being fast, competitive and connected.

— Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
It was not known why the anchor failed, but the heavy snowstorm was not a direct factor, according to the statement, which commended the college students for their love of the outdoors and preparation for the climbing trip.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of commend

Verb

The light-reflecting complex immediately illuminates to wake up tired eyes as the special cooling metal applicator helps massage away puffiness.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
The brand recommends using it morning and night by massaging it in upward strokes over the face and neck to maximize the benefits.

— Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of massage

Verb

Sometimes that manifests in small ways, such as when media relations staffers cut off a news conference early in the hope of ingratiating themselves to a player.

— Stephanie Apstein, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2026
The film slowly relates that the aspiring rapper and superfan ingratiated himself into the band’s circles, flying to New York multiple times as a teenager for the purpose.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of ingratiate

Verb

There has always been friction between Reed and Helen, but in the main, Reed has been successful in using a shifting combination of wheedling, scolding, complimenting, and threatening to ensure Helen fullfils her mission objectives.

— Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
At a Manchester show, one music blog complimented the singer-songwriter’s deep and earthy voice, drawing comparisons to Glen Campbell and Harry Nilsson.

— Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of compliment

Verb

One way to explain this peculiar comportment is the existence of a massive planet gravitationally influencing these bodies, coaxing their orbits into a roughly systematic arrangement.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Nov. 2026
Will that be enough to coax increasingly cost-conscious buyers into dealer showrooms?

— Byron Hurd, The Drive, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of coax

Verb

According to outlets, including Maine broadcast station WMTW, Collins called Jackson shortly after midnight to congratulate him for his win.

— Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026
Sorrells congratulated Burks on her victory and said his office will work with her to ensure a smooth transition.

— Emerson Clarridge Updated November 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of congratulate

Verb

Gill and Krukoff separately pushed their way into Indigenous communities, bribing or cajoling elders to forage vines and process toxic plant compounds known as curare.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Pelle Larsson cannot be traded this season (per league rules), and cajoling Dallas to take Nikola Jovic’s four-year, $62 million deal would be a tough sell.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of cajole

Verb

At the church north of Detroit, Stevens and fiance Jason Turkish worshipped with Rogers and his wife, Kristi.

— Joey Cappelletti, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Louella and Hedda were two sides of the same coin, minted in a culture that worshipped celebrity and feared moral chaos.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of worship

Browse Nearby Words

endangers

endear

endeared

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Endear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endear. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of endear

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

defer

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes