love 1 of 2

verb

ˈləv How to pronounce love (audio)
Definition of lovenext
1
as in to adore
to feel passion, devotion, or tenderness for a husband who loves his wife more than anything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to treasure
to hold dear patriots who loved their country well enough to die for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to enjoy
to take pleasure in I love playing Frisbee in the summer rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to caress
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner the baby responded to my caresses and kisses by loving me right back

Synonyms & Similar Words

love

2 of 2

noun

ˈləv How to pronounce love (audio)
1
as in affection
a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone her love for her children was truly selfless

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in darling
a person with whom one is in love she is the love of my life

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in liking
positive regard for something a love of chocolate, which I will pay anything to indulge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in affair
a brief romantic relationship he refused to discuss past loves

Synonyms & Similar 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 love
Verb
Last year’s adaptation of the wildly popular sandbox survival-crafting game didn’t exactly have critics losing their pixels, but faithful fans loved it. — Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026 Both Vogue’s global head of fashion network, Virginia Smith, and fashion news writer, Alexandra Hildreth—who tend to stick to a minimalist uniform of tried-and-trues—are loving the ease and simplicity of the pajama trouser this season. — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 15 July 2026
Noun
Casting for her love interest, Felix, has yet to be announced. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026 The show does seem to be, in large part, a love letter to autistic children and the parents of autistic children. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for love
Recent Examples of Synonyms for love
  1. adore
  2. treasure
  3. enjoy
  4. caress
  5. affection
  6. darling
  7. liking
  8. affair
Verb
  • Having Nick and Charlie end their relationship—a relationship genuinely adored by the Heartstopper fandom— was not a decision Oseman made lightly.
    — Barry Levitt, Time, 17 July 2026
  • Anna’s attitude speaks to the jealousy that fuels the movie’s wider narrative – Jack is adored, largely inappropriately, by all the members of his family – while his father’s probing highlights a warped sense of entitlement.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Definition of adore
Verb
  • Everybody who sat through the 2026 World Cup will come away with something to treasure.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • Torres now treasures a Bible recovered near the spot where Olvera's body was found.
    — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of treasure
Verb
  • But, at Kelli’s urging, instead of reflecting on going too far or just calling it a night to cool off, Shamea still meets the other woman at the club, determined to enjoy Scottish nightlife.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Eyewear is enjoying its moment in the fashion spotlight, attracting consumers in search of self-expression as much as optical support.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 July 2026
Definition of enjoy
Verb
  • After examining her injury, Brito began to caress and massage Patient 1’s foot under the guise of providing care.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
  • Richer, more concentrated Prosecco with delectable flavors of nectarine tart and apricot preserves with intense minerality and delicate bubbles that caress the palate.
    — Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Definition of caress
Noun
  • By contrast, Hemingway's affection for daiquiris is well-documented.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • Kelly grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, in an Irish Catholic household of little outward affection and high tumult.
    — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
Definition of affection
Noun
  • Cape Verde, the darlings of the tournament, held Spain scoreless.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
  • Skorts are the easy, breezy trend picking up steam again this summer, after being spotted by pop darlings like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 19 July 2026
Definition of darling
Noun
  • This easy-to-wear shorts set with practical pockets and a drawstring waist comes in an array of colors to mix, match, and personalize to your liking.
    — Jessica Benavides Canepa, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026
  • The living space was open, with the living room, dining area and kitchen lined up in a row — maybe a little too open for the family’s liking.
    — Gabe Castro-Root, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of liking
Noun
  • Although the extramarital affair made headlines at the time of Schettino’s trial, there was no evidence presented to say that he was distracted as a result of Cemortan’s presence.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
  • The first half was a scrappy, testy affair with very little rhythm or rhyme from both teams.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of affair

Phrases Containing love

Browse Nearby Words

lovable
love
love affair
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Cite this Entry

“Love.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/love. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on love

Nglish: Translation of love for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about love

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