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
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
Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026
Peter Bogdanovich, Bob Fosse, and Hugh Hefner all loved her, in their own ways—for better and worse.
—Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
Matt Damon met and fell in love with future wife Luciana in 2003—six years after Matt and his childhood friend Ben Affleck hit the big time with their 1997 film Good Will Hunting.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for love
Verb
Some travelers prefer to use a hanging bag, and thousands of Amazon reviews—as well as T+L staffers—love the Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag, now just $15.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026
Peter Bogdanovich, Bob Fosse, and Hugh Hefner all loved her, in their own ways—for better and worse.
—Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
His multicourse omakase shows off the chef’s restrained minimalist Edomae style and love of aged fish.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
Matt Damon met and fell in love with future wife Luciana in 2003—six years after Matt and his childhood friend Ben Affleck hit the big time with their 1997 film Good Will Hunting.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for love
Recent Examples of Synonyms for love
Verb
-
Still, their esoteric acid rock was revered and adored by their huge and loyal fanbase, known as Deadheads.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Leave it to a Housewife to find an adoring gay to glom on to.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Anything treasured or one-of-a-kind is best kept elsewhere.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
13 Jan. 2026
-
There’s a broad consensus among them that these Baroque-era jewels are heirlooms to be treasured and gently ushered into the modern world without ripping out their soul.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Ball enjoys every second of their interactions, too.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The winner will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, with a full official Super Bowl Experience, including round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations, plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses.—
Janay Reece,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In one instance, Alix leans in to whisper something in his ear while caressing his back.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
2 Jan. 2026
-
Also starring Jack Palance and Fritz Lang, the behind-the-scenes drama about the making of a movie begins with Bardot lying nude on a bed as her husband (Michel Piccoli) caresses and praises her body.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Ask gently yet clearly, because knowledge nourishes affection.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Orion began to respond to Artemis’ affection.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Two charming Victorian-style houses are the perfect spot for your salt and pepper; each features a darling pink roof and delicate floral details.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Jan. 2026
-
National and international media soon followed suit, making Plichta a darling of the left.—
Asra Q. Nomani,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Beyond the smooth texture, the skirt features dainty lace trim accents across the middle and around the hem, a vintage floral pattern, and a delicate drawstring at the waist to adjust the fit to your liking.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Washington under both Republican and Democratic presidents has thrown America’s weight around to mold the region to its liking.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Any political commentary was mostly relegated to red carpet interviews ahead of the ceremony, where both nominee Mark Ruffalo, winner Jean Smart and presenter Wanda Sykes took the opportunity to share their thoughts on current affairs.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
14 Jan. 2026
-
There have been some brief historical exceptions to that state of affairs; the ascendancy of higher education in the years after World War II gave writers a home in the academy that was largely nonexistent before.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Love.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/love. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
