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 Katseye doesn’t seem to get in as much trouble as K-pop idols have in the past for swearing; a patina of unruliness has endeared the group to its followers. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026 What the story is actually about almost doesn’t matter — just enjoy the quiet luxury of it all, with the ever-endearing Fabrice Luchini in the lead doing yet another bumbling, bourgeois gentleman of a certain age. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 With quick feet, high IQ, and patience, Burkin carries a modesty that endears him to his teammates and coaches. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026 What endears him to viewers is the balance between his weaknesses and honest emotions, his ambition and good intentions, and his growing maturity, even when his instincts sometimes outrun his judgment. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for endear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for endear

Verb

Gates joined Rodrigo on stage to commend her for her philanthropic efforts with Daisy Chain Fields.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue posted on Facebook commending the work of volunteers who banded together to care for the dogs.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of commend

Verb

These included cleaning, caring for Chong’s children and massaging his feet without pay, 7NEWS reported.

— Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared to suffer a cramp in his left foot, threw up, and took a medical time-out to have his back massaged between the fourth and fifth sets before losing to Argentine player Mariano Navone.

— Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of massage

Verb

This was Stones’ way of repaying the supporters and ingratiating himself with his new public.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of ingratiate

Verb

Inside, under flickering lights, a group of reluctant strangers is coaxed into acting out, in a converted gymnasium, a wild tale promising redemption from agonizing tragedy.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
The hard-throwing righty then coaxed a soft grounder from Luis Arraez to secure his third save of the season.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of coax

Verb

In the clip, Bottomley’s character can be seen cajoling Howells’ Taylor into having a drink and letting loose at a house party.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026
The Oscar winner cajoles a reluctant LookingGlass, who plays Amziah’s former foster child Kateri, into singing along.

— Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of cajole

Verb

Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
She was promoted to worship leader, a job typically held by an older member of the church.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of worship

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Style

“Endear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endear. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of endear

verb

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