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
The Wrong Girls A loving ode to the power of friendship and THC. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026 Bob Iger, who built Disney around owning stories the world already loved, is now buying the story Buss invented. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
The Anora filmmaker described the film — which was financed by fashion house Self-Portrait —as both a love letter to his star and her native Malaysia. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026 Rather than a sentimental image of maternal love and devotion, Cassatt depicts the sheer effort of remaining oneself within the consuming closeness of caring for one’s child. — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 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
  • Shoppers also seem to adore 1800s-style spice racks with lots of drawers, which offer multiple spots to house goodies.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The catch is, the only time this program fits into your child’s schedule is during their advanced orchestra rehearsal or a figure drawing class that your child adores.
    — Parents, Parents, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of adore
Verb
  • For centuries, India’s rulers treasured these precious stones, decorating their palaces, thrones, and crowns with them, and wearing them in lavish displays of wealth and opulence.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The Guardians treasure pitchers with elite extension, and Yoho fits that description, as his 94 mph heater can sneak up on hitters.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of treasure
Verb
  • Jewel enjoys a casual summer day while shopping at the What Goes Around Comes Around pop-up in Aspen.
    — People Staff, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • There are certainly plenty of spots along the banks from which to take in the view, but it is best enjoyed from the deck of your own river cruise, which are plentiful and can be surprisingly cheap.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of enjoy
Verb
  • Kikuko cried out as her father’s hand slowly caressed her chest.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In the snap, Portman, who’s expecting her third baby, her first with partner Tanguy Destable, could be seen standing in front of an apartment balcony in an oversized blue button-down, caressing her stomach.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Definition of caress
Noun
  • Rhaenyra shows no affection whatsoever to her heir, Joffrey, and only shows signs of any warmth at all when speaking with Daemon about taking back Tumbleton from Lord Ormund and the Hightowers.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In one room, Catherine is getting promises of unconditional love and affection from Alden, a man who would never harm her.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of affection
Noun
  • Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma stars Hannah Einbinder, veteran of the Emmy-darling Hacks series opposite Jean Smart.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Cotswolds have been the darling of British summertime for many years, popular with Londoners looking to escape city life.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of darling
Noun
  • But if your disco cabinets are just a bit too much for your liking, take the doors off completely for a fresh look.
    — Barbara Bellesi Zito, The Spruce, 5 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, staff undergo extensive training, learning to guide customers through choosing a whiskey to their liking, within their price range.
    — Don Tse, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of liking
Noun
  • Initially a rudimentary, box-like affair, things have improved since, thanks mainly to the addition of a second tier behind the goal.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Any chance for a post-trade-deadline revenge night was thwarted when the Mercury ruled Kelsey Plum out ahead of Tuesday’s affair with a lower left leg injury.
    — Kai Dizon, Daily News, 12 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 13 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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