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
My friend Jen, an obsessive cake baker and my sounding board on this project, loves Saffitz. — Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Johnson had loved Sessa in The Holdovers and arranged the meeting, during which the two instantly hit it off. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 July 2026
Noun
The elder Moueix may have never expected his son to fall in love with Napa Valley and want to return there years later. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 30 July 2026 Both Sedins had plenty of Hart (and Lindsay) love by now, but both finish with 70-ish points and none of the other skaters really had a case. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 30 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
  • Despite fans of the Gap brand adoring the original Happy Stripe sweater design, many found this new iteration to be lackluster in comparison.
    — Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Set in Rome, Kentucky, the first When In Rome book centers Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fanbase.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 23 July 2026
Definition of adore
Verb
  • 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
  • Some enthusiasts will always treasure the sound and mechanical involvement of a gasoline engine, while others will welcome the instant, gutsier response and refinement of electric propulsion.
    — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of treasure
Verb
  • Drinks, treats and a maker’s market featuring local vendors will be available for all the noncanine attendees to enjoy as well.
    — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Order the refreshing house specialty, the Valverde Spirit, and enjoy it while sitting amid the chic vintage furniture.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 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
  • And of course, waiver darling Josh Jung left Wednesday's game with calf tightness, placing even further stress on the supply.
    — John Laghezza, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Directed by their longtime collaborator Garth Jennings, the feature combines footage from their arena tour behind last year’s reunion album, More, with archival film tracing the band’s rise from tenacious Sheffield also-rans to Britpop darlings.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026
Definition of darling
Noun
  • Then, the arsenal's not robust enough for my liking, featuring a fastball iteration ~80% of the time (four-seam, cutter, sinker).
    — John Laghezza, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • If the black option isn’t to your liking, opt for the red or cream colors.
    — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026
Definition of liking
Noun
  • Austin police are conducting a criminal investigation with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, as well as an administrative investigation through their internal affairs unit, police said in a news release.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • As for his father, Sonnenfeld says his dad had several affairs that his wife was aware of.
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 29 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 4 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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