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 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 That's in part because the Slate pickup comes exclusively in two-seat single-cab form, a fact that should only further endear it to wistful lovers of classic small pickups. — New Atlas, 24 June 2026 The close-up picture, which showcased Meeks' piercing blue eyes, endeared him to many despite his criminal past. — Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 Every horse of ours has some endearing trait. — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for endear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for endear

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

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

Imanaga recovered a bit after the leadoff home run, but the Cardinals lineup coaxed long at-bats and drove up his pitch count, chasing the left-hander from the game after 4 2/3 innings.

— Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
With such flexibility, this kind of synthetic cell could eventually be coaxed to create new materials, such as biofuels and drugs, and help researchers study disease.

— Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 1 July 2026

Definition of coax

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

The Zion Church is among the largest churches that are unregistered with the Chinese authorities, defying restrictions from the officially atheist Communist Party requiring believers to worship only in registered congregations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
So people are looking to online forums to find that guidance, and to find those people to worship, in a way.

— Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 June 2026

Definition of worship

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endear

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Style

“Endear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endear. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of endear

verb

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