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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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
Elizabeth Strout illustrates a kind man with an endearing earnestness about him who struggles with the fact that the world is not so simple anymore. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026 Dion had retained her natural charm, her smile, her sense of humor, and that incredibly endearing quality that is uniquely hers. — Blanche Marcel, Vanity Fair, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
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 The squabbling banter between the two is priceless, even endearing. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 28 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
  • That’s when Wormie World, an art scavenger hunt featuring hundreds of adorable ceramic worms, will host its third annual free urban art hunt throughout the city’s central neighborhoods.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Today’s recipe More adorable than spooky, these Halloween treats are nothing more than homemade marshmallows, using just a handful of ingredients.
    — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of adorable
Adjective
  • While renting a charming Mediterranean Revival-style villa in the Hollywood Hills, the FBI tapped her phone lines and the CIA covertly intercepted and opened her mail.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The author behind the singular Elizabeth Zott returns with ‘Peck & Peck,’ a sharp, charming satire on the pretensions and perils of literary gatekeepers.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of charming
Verb
  • To cleanse your scalp and encourage growth, the brand recommends covering your roots in the serum and massaging it into the top of your head.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, InStyle, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Apply a thin layer of Dijon mustard with your hands, massaging it into the meat.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of massaging
Adjective
  • May his struggles never dim the memories of a sweet man, a dear friend, and a master musician.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • May his struggles never dim the memories of a sweet man, a dear friend, and a master musician, the post read.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of dear
Verb
  • 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
  • Netflix’s decision to lift the veil on box office is a way of ingratiating itself with exhibition and the motion picture talent community.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of ingratiating
Adjective
  • And captured the juiciness of ripe strawberries, snapping the fruit into sweet focus in a pint of strawberry and passion fruit ice cream.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Also milder, sweeter and less earthy than red beets, so make sure the red beet-haters give them a taste.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweet
Verb
  • The Textile-to-Textile Ecosystem Award went to the Circulose Recycling Ecosystem, commending the brand commitments and fiber-producer partnerships supporting the Swedish company’s industrial restart.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • When the actual resolution commending Biss came before the council, Ald.
    — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of commending
Verb
  • Bruno says, also complimenting his improvement on his timing and his form.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • And the owners’ taste, in this case, is pleasant and broadly appealing, complimenting the home’s high ceilings and historic features.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of complimenting

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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 20 Oct. 2026.

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