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loved 1 of 2

adjective

as in cherished
granted special treatment or attention her grandparents' constant doting made her feel especially loved

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

loved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of love
1
as in valued
to hold dear patriots who loved their country well enough to die for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adored
to feel passion, devotion, or tenderness for a husband who loves his wife more than anything

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in caressed
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

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 loved
Adjective
At its worst, cognitive impairment can be a horrible, life-altering disease for patient and loved ones. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 Epps portrayed Marcus Cowans, an ex-con trying to put his life back together with the support of his loved ones. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026 Select fashion and accessories are sourced from eBay, Vogue’s official vintage and pre-loved partner. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026 The Los Angeles Police Department offered its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones of those who died during the crash. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 How eBay’s pre-loved runway works Rather than debut a brand-new collection, eBay built the Endless Runway around designer pieces already in circulation. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026 What Could Be Next Expect the pre-loved runway to become a recurring format, not a one-off spectacle. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026 Directly addressing Adamson in emotional courtroom remarks, the victim’s mother, Curtisha Davis, said the consequences of the shooting continued to affect Davis and his loved ones, years after the fact. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026 His family announced at the time that the legendary rocker died surrounded by loved ones. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
Finally, with some urging from the people who loved him, Wayne turned his attention from editing to writing. — Mike Hogan, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026 And how could a young man so passionate about helping others, who loved his family so deeply, do something that would hurt so profoundly and permanently? — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 The building has existed as some version of a hotel or inn since the mid-1800s, but the iteration most locals knew and loved closed in 1999 and remained closed until 2023. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026 Produced by Sergio Adrià’s Espurna Films, with Sandra Hermida on board as co-producer, the film centers on 17-year-old Clara, whose desire to be seen and loved is complicated by a growing impulse to escape the expectations surrounding her. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026 My heart is with all those who loved her during this devastating time. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2026 Martinez said his brother was a talented young man who loved baking, cooking, and arts and crafts. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 Beneath all the chrome, retro detailing, and Corvette nostalgia is still a Mazda MX-5, one of the most universally loved little roadsters of the modern era. — New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2026 So far, fans of the book have accepted it and really loved it, so that’s been really encouraging. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loved
  1. cherished
  2. valued
  3. adored
  4. enjoyed
  5. caressed
  6. beloved
  7. treasured
  8. liked
Adjective
  • The Emerging Filmmakers Program A long-standing partnership between HSDFF and Arkansas TV, the Emerging Filmmakers Program is one of HSDFF’s most cherished educational initiatives.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Beyond the estate’s gates, Asheville has grown alongside it into one of the South’s most cherished mountain destinations.
    — Abby Price, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of cherished
Verb
  • But the market has never valued Tesla conventionally, and for good reason.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
  • And in this day and age, when money is tight, workers want to feel that they — and their efforts — are valued daily.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of valued
Verb
  • Rob Reiner’s memory was alive and adored at the 2026 Emmy Awards.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Yet, he was announced as the player of the match in the stadium, is adored and respected by fans and coaches alike at Bournemouth, and his qualities will inevitably bring external transfer interest.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of adored
Verb
  • Ahmed also offers a glimpse into just how entangled the Biden White House was with lobbyists and donors who wanted to ensure that Israel enjoyed a free hand.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The manuscript Wayne read to us that night chronicled his involvement with Gloria Swanson, the towering star of Hollywood’s Golden Age who enjoyed latter-day acclaim in 1950 playing a delusional has-been in Sunset Boulevard.
    — Mike Hogan, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of enjoyed
Verb
  • Breasts are caressed and thighs crisscross; kisses are planted, and occasionally there’s a glimpse of something more graphic.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Kikuko cried out as her father’s hand slowly caressed her chest.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of caressed
Adjective
  • Flagship publication the Sacramento Bee nixed six of 39 union journalists, a 15% cut that eliminated the sports desk, including a long-serving, beloved high school sports reporter.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Luke Talich became a Notre Dame fan because the Irish wore the same blue-and-gold colors as his beloved Cody High School Broncs.
    — Curt Rallo, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of beloved
Verb
  • After a brief stint in the transfer portal in January, the former Hawklet stayed in Ann Arbor where his length (6-7, 310) and power in the run game are treasured.
    — PJ Green September 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
  • But sometimes, that’s the type of unassuming restaurant treasured most by loyal customers.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of treasured
Verb
  • This is a sad development for Sweet Magnolias fans who would’ve liked a proper conclusion via a final season, with an Annie and Ty reconciliation probably at the top of their wishlist.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
  • That’s cool that people (liked it), but that’s bad ball security.
    — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of liked

Browse Nearby Words

love child
loved
lovelessness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loved. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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