endearing 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈdir-iŋ How to pronounce endearing (audio)
Definition of endearingnext
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

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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

endearing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of endear
as in massaging
to cause (someone) to be loved or admired by (someone or something) They endeared themselves to the whole town.

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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
Adjective
To show what such pairings can achieve, two WSA talks will spotlight some of contemporary European cinema’s most enduring and endearing director-composer duos. — Ben Croll, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 That’s not about how the song would have made for a poorer fit in the country landscape of 2005 or 2015 — in truth, the song’s casual timelessness is one of its most endearing and immediately apparent qualities. — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
But after endearing us to this eager and innocent narrator, Saunders blindsides us. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 Here’s the truth about Malkin, the part of his story that remains somewhat confounding if not endearing. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for endearing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endearing
  1. adorable
  2. charming
  3. massaging
  4. dear
  5. ingratiating
  6. sweet
  7. commending
  8. complimenting
Adjective
  • The monkeys are adorable from a distance and mischievous up close.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Simultaneously, Fumiko and Emi cross paths at the library, where the revelation that the family at least tangentially responsible for her son’s death now have an adorable little sprog of their own, threatens to send Emi into an emotional tailspin.
    — James Marsh, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of adorable
Adjective
  • Gino, just downstairs from the hotel, is a charming Italian option.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • It’s beautifully presented on charming floral dishware, which is the perfect echo of the gardens just beyond the porch where breakfast is served.
    — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of charming
Verb
  • Luzon layered her signature 24-karat gold mask over a professional-use DNA mask, massaging the treatment to enhance absorption.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • This is all without compromising the skin barrier, and offering a massaging action that enhances relaxation and turns a functional step into a spa-like treatment as a small wellness ritual.
    — Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of massaging
Adjective
  • Ian McKellen is saying goodbye to his dear friend Patrick Stewart.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The attack ads that exaggerate and lie about their opponents, without mentioning their myopic support for their dear leader whose baggage has destroyed America’s standing in the world, are astounding.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of dear
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
  • Hüller was to play a woman disguising herself as a male soldier in the aftermath of the Thirty Years’ War, ingratiating herself in a small Protestant village.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of ingratiating
Adjective
  • Soft, sweet and dusted with sugar, pan de muerto, the bread of the dead, is a traditional Mexican bread made for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
    — Daniela Cintron, AJC.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Related Earlier this month, the group’s label, HYBE x Geffen, stated that Laforteza would return to the stage in January, which would be sweet timing for the Asia run.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweet
Verb
  • Two Democratic political organizations are running adverts on the House’s bill to ban congressional stock trading, criticizing a Republican over the vote while commending a Democrat running in a different district for supporting the bill.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Related Articles The runway appearance of both Hosk and Palvin has set the internet aflame, with awed viewers commending the new moms and calling attention to the indelible power of women.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of commending
Verb
  • The shimmery shade was used as eye shadow complimenting Nash-Betts’ long black lashes, and also paired as a gloss with brown lip liner to finish off the glam designed by Naima Jamal.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Bruno says, also complimenting his improvement on his timing and his form.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of complimenting

Browse Nearby Words

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endearing
endearing (to)
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Cite this Entry

“Endearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endearing. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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