as in cherished
granted special treatment or attention
her grandparents' constant doting made her feel especially loved
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2026
Hooks said the agency's hearts are with the teen's family and loved ones during their difficult time.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 June 2026
But Saxbe stresses a lot of men could use psychotherapy or support groups that bring dads together, as well as more time bonding with loved ones in general.
—Keith Wagstaff, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
As a caregiver, Morales said, knowing how a loved one wants to be cared for is essential.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 9 June 2026
The expectant couple, along with several children and loved ones, walked with anticipation into the grass at the edge of the El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa, California – where wild grasses turn golden in the fall, making a scenic backdrop – to reveal their baby’s gender.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Some looked forward to reuniting with loved ones.
—Norman B. Gildin, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2026
ThredUp is finally letting the public sell their pre-loved items directly to shoppers at their own price, as one of fashion’s largest online resellers experiments on becoming a peer-to-peer marketplace.
—Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
In honor of their son, the grieving parents established George's Windmills, which aims to raise money to support local hospitals and those giving care to sick kids and their loved ones, according to the outlet.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Libertyville coach Matt Thompson loved Buenik’s command, which was often missing this season.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
What started as a space fix became, Daly says, the thing guests loved most, and now every property has it.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
The pressure cooker of veterinary school, combined with my disconnection from nature and from the people who loved me and knew me best, left me increasingly isolated, lonely and depleted.
—Brad Ryan, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
Ayscue loved canoeing and country music.
—Diamy Wang, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
The traditional vuvuzela has been loved by some fans and despised by others.
—Kenny Choi, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Considered one of Birkenstock’s most iconic styles, the Arizona sandals have been loved by travelers since 1973.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026
People like Liz Rose, Troy Verges, Hillary Lindsey, Robert Ellis Orrall, Angelo [Petraglia], the Warren Brothers and the late but very loved Brett James.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 12 June 2026
Adjective
The collection of autobiographical monologues explores the hardships and unexpected humor of caring for loved ones across every stage of life.
—Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2026
Hooks said the agency's hearts are with the teen's family and loved ones during their difficult time.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 June 2026
But Saxbe stresses a lot of men could use psychotherapy or support groups that bring dads together, as well as more time bonding with loved ones in general.
—Keith Wagstaff, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
As a caregiver, Morales said, knowing how a loved one wants to be cared for is essential.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 9 June 2026
The expectant couple, along with several children and loved ones, walked with anticipation into the grass at the edge of the El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa, California – where wild grasses turn golden in the fall, making a scenic backdrop – to reveal their baby’s gender.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Some looked forward to reuniting with loved ones.
—Norman B. Gildin, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2026
ThredUp is finally letting the public sell their pre-loved items directly to shoppers at their own price, as one of fashion’s largest online resellers experiments on becoming a peer-to-peer marketplace.
—Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
In honor of their son, the grieving parents established George's Windmills, which aims to raise money to support local hospitals and those giving care to sick kids and their loved ones, according to the outlet.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Verb
Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Libertyville coach Matt Thompson loved Buenik’s command, which was often missing this season.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
What started as a space fix became, Daly says, the thing guests loved most, and now every property has it.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
The pressure cooker of veterinary school, combined with my disconnection from nature and from the people who loved me and knew me best, left me increasingly isolated, lonely and depleted.
—Brad Ryan, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
Ayscue loved canoeing and country music.
—Diamy Wang, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
The traditional vuvuzela has been loved by some fans and despised by others.
—Kenny Choi, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Considered one of Birkenstock’s most iconic styles, the Arizona sandals have been loved by travelers since 1973.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026
People like Liz Rose, Troy Verges, Hillary Lindsey, Robert Ellis Orrall, Angelo [Petraglia], the Warren Brothers and the late but very loved Brett James.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 12 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loved
Adjective
-
Monroe University said McCleod was a cherished member of its basketball team.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
-
History buffs can come learn more about the most cherished collections on display, such as glowing minerals.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
The deal was reportedly valued at over $1 billion and involved a mix of cash and stock.—
Amelia Lucas,Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
7 June 2026
-
Investigation traced equipment to officer's home According to the criminal complaint, the journalist suffered an injury while working at the protest and dropped a camera bag containing cameras and other equipment valued at roughly $10,000.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
You’re allowed to enjoy being wanted and adored.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
-
His work was adored, but he was also adored as a person.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Football is an activity to be enjoyed together in Ghana, rather than merely something to watch on television.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
-
On Monday, the airport hosted a celebration for its employees ahead of the region's big events this summer, with fun that both workers and travelers enjoyed.—
Chilekasi Adele,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Electric Bleu is French food caressed with California seasonality and the occasional pop of Aussie nostalgia.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
-
In a video shared by the Broncos from the unveiling, Smith is seen carefully caressed the statue of her son's face just after the curtain drops.—
Natasha Dye,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The world first fell in love with her as a contestant in the RuPaul’s Drag Race multiverse, where her razor-sharp charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent turned her into one of the franchise’s most beloved queens.—
Todd Plummer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
-
Inspired by the original trilogy books by Robert Ludlum, the beloved franchise takes Damon's character all over the world on dangerous missions, running into enemies and the occasional ally as his past in espionage repeatedly catches up with him.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
It’s treasured for its buttery texture and rich flavor, which come from the fish’s high natural oil and omega-3 content.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2026
-
Designer Jean Patou first thought to create this ethereal scent during the Great Depression, as a potential revitalization of his business by offering something that could make someone feel rare and treasured with just a spritz.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
And people question whether West and Ciara were at that level, and Ciara really liked West.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
10 June 2026
-
Kupec enjoyed golfing and was an avid New York sports fan who liked the Yankees, Rangers and Giants as well as the Bridgeport Bluefish, according to the obituary.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Loved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loved. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
