1
as in adorable
having qualities that tend to make one loved
you have to wonder about people who don't find kittens and puppies endearing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in charming
likely or intended to win one's affection
his impish sense of humor is one of his more endearing traits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in massaging
to cause (someone) to be loved or admired by (someone or something)
They endeared themselves to the whole town.
Related Words
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 endearing
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
His obliviousness is what’s also somewhat endearing but also what’s grounding.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026
Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
Ringwald’s prim, disciplined portrayal adds just the right touch of endearing spunkiness, while McCarthy, fighting with his social demons, is a likable rich kid with character substance.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for endearing
Adjective
My mom had a penchant for creating whimsy, and the gardens were always overflowing with endearing, often vintage garden decor to attract birds, butterflies, and to simply add charm.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
His obliviousness is what’s also somewhat endearing but also what’s grounding.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Russian ambassador to Libya hung out in my room, as did a Russian kid named Konstantin with an unfortunate stutter and endearing affection for the American rock band Metallica.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
Ringwald’s prim, disciplined portrayal adds just the right touch of endearing spunkiness, while McCarthy, fighting with his social demons, is a likable rich kid with character substance.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for endearing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endearing
Adjective
-
This adorable tank top is extremely breathable and lightweight, featuring a ruffle trim along the shoulders and neckline.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The New Girl alum, 46, posted an Instagram carousel, including adorable photos of her and Scott together.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Don’t pass up this fun way to get around this charming town.—
Karon Warren,
AJC.com,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Mars’ between-song banter, though charming, frequently sounded scripted down to the syllable.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Not every type of kale needs massaging.—
Zoe Denenberg,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The best part is that it can be used on bare or painted nails—even just massaging your cuticles and nail beds can provide results.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
From then on, the storytelling goes slack and perfunctory as sharks swarm and chomp on passengers and crew clinging for dear lives on rafts or slabs of plane wreckage.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Mark Mardini became a dear friend.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But the meetings were also about Döpfner ingratiating himself to the right-of-center political leaders that make up some of the UK broadsheet’s audience (and source base).—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
30 Mar. 2026
-
When ingratiating yourself with a new fanbase, scoring a hat-trick in the north London derby against Arsenal’s bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur helps no end.—
Rob Tanner,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Nobody wants a grammar correction popping up in the middle of a sweet message from their partner.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
-
Initially shy and reserved, according to her foster family, Cindy Lou is learning to come out of her shell and show her charming, sweet side.—
Maryanne Dell,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Attention around Simpson has since taken off, with people commending him for his kindness and generosity.—
Kate Perez,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
-
After the hearing, Gorman’s family released a statement commending the judge for detaining Medina.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The president reacted to the news this week by simultaneously complimenting and insulting the outgoing executive.—
Grace Miserocchi,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Danielson remembers Lind, an affable old mariner then in his seventies, complimenting them on their docking skills, and introducing himself as the owner of the Robert Gray, a 125-foot Army Corps of Engineers research vessel built in 1936.—
Tessa Stuart,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Endearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endearing. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
