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

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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
Brown loved her summers on an island off the coast of Maine nearly as much as the Finnish-Swedish Tove Jannson, creator of the Moomin stories, loved her time in the islands off the Swedish coast. — Anne E. Fernald, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026 The younger people who love this record now are going through the same thing in 2026. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
Sybylla becomes involved in a love triangle with Harry and an English visitor, Frank. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 2026 Over the course of more than 130 hikes, this column has become a key part of my life and has reaffirmed my love of San Diego’s trails and open spaces. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 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
  • As John walks several miles to catch up to Hal (who takes pictures with adoring fans at a taco stand), a holographic construct of a younger Hal emerges from the ring and briefly interacts with John.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Sending so much love and light to her family, friends, and everyone who adored her.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of adore
Verb
  • There was a fluidity to their performance that treasured passion over technical precision.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In the meantime, French curators are working on digitizing the Ségou treasure manuscripts for study anywhere in the world.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of treasure
Verb
  • Nutty and sweet coconut shrimp is a delightful way to enjoy shellfish.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Their homes were not like the large estates found in wealthier Colorado mountain towns, but smaller structures where their blue-collar families went to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
    — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of enjoy
Verb
  • In one video, pop singer Madison Beer was seen caressing Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's face as if the two were shooting a scene straight out of a reality show.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Kikuko cried out as her father’s hand slowly caressed her chest.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of caress
Noun
  • During an interview with The Independent in May, Panettiere recalled how she was lauded for her acting skills at a very early age and began to associate professional praise with maternal affection.
    — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This is good energy for making the invitation, sharing the draft, or showing affection first.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of affection
Noun
  • No worries—per this Copenhagen Fashion Week darling, longline nighties are just as trendy as their mini counterparts.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Audiences are giving it an 86% so this isn’t just a critical darling, but a popular movie all around.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of darling
Noun
  • Simply turn it on, then adjust the heat, color, and timer to your liking.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Though the formula is gentle, the price tag is a little too high for our liking.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of liking
Noun
  • The outlet, which receives about 65% of its funding through the Defense Department, has long prided itself on its editorial independence from the public affairs apparatus at the Pentagon.
    — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • That mostly focuses on her father, TJ Earle, who runs the Earle family company and cheated on her mother, Alisa, with a woman named Ashley Dupré (who had previously made headlines for her affair with politician Eliot Spitzer — yes, really).
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 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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