loving 1 of 2

adjective

ˈlə-viŋ How to pronounce loving (audio)
Definition of lovingnext
1
as in affectionate
feeling or showing love they were a loving family, supporting each other when times were bad

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in careful
taking, showing, or involving great care and effort the homemade costume clearly showed the loving work that had gone into it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

loving

2 of 2

verb

present participle of love
1
as in valuing
to hold dear patriots who loved their country well enough to die for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adoring
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 enjoying
to take pleasure in I love playing Frisbee in the summer rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in caressing
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 loving
Adjective
These heat-loving, drought-tolerant stunners thrive in full sun and are one of the only perennials that will bloom by the first year when grown from seed. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 15 July 2026 This loving, anguished memorial movie includes copious clips of Adrian from the director’s earlier films and from home movies. — Marina Harss, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
Verb
Most sun-loving spillers need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 22 July 2026 Seeing the best version of someone is another way of loving them. — Sheila Heti, The New York Review of Books, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for loving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loving
  1. affectionate
  2. careful
  3. valuing
  4. adoring
  5. enjoying
  6. caressing
  7. meticulous
  8. appreciating
Adjective
  • Prince William and Kate Middleton's increasingly affectionate public appearances have caught royal watchers' attention, with experts saying the couple are entering a happier, more relaxed chapter following a difficult few years.
    — Janelle Ash , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • After all, if my brothers could be annoying, affectionate, and self-aggrandizing all at once, why couldn’t a man in the history books?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
Definition of affectionate
Adjective
  • But the series is careful to cast suspicions in a multitude of directions, not merely at Michael but at several people in Sarah’s orbit who only reveal themselves when backed into corners.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 July 2026
  • Since pilot and crew remains may also still be buried underground, careful excavation work is even more important.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 July 2026
Definition of careful
Verb
  • The Sheldon deal continues a pattern of Chicago not valuing its draft capital.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The latest purchases come just weeks after GameStop disclosed a 5% economic interest in eBay alongside an unsolicited cash-and-stock proposal valuing the marketplace at approximately $57 billion.
    — Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of valuing
Verb
  • 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
  • Keegan was desperate to awaken the sleeping Tyneside beast and get Newcastle back to the top flight and immediately announced himself to his adoring new fanbase, scoring the winning goal on his debut against Queens Park Rangers at St James’.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of adoring
Verb
  • But 60 Minutes long operated as almost a separate unit within the news division, enjoying a great deal of autonomy.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 July 2026
  • In a very youthful group inevitably depleted by several senior players enjoying their post-World Cup breaks, the two summer arrivals were surprising absentees.
    — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of enjoying
Verb
  • The couple posed for photos at the event, drawing attention to their gestating bundle of joy by framing and caressing Palvin’s belly.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of caressing
Adjective
  • The Homeric text is full of transformations, shape-shifting and super-speed, alongside meticulous labor and elaborate rites; the movie is neither dazzling nor precise.
    — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • Later this evening, however, the moon slips into the meticulous and methodical sign of Virgo, which, in turn, grounds the atmosphere.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
Definition of meticulous
Verb
  • Industry observers note growing demand for flexible, discreet liquidity solutions that align with volatile markets, entrepreneurial cash-flow needs, and the desire to keep people’s appreciating collections intact.
    — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Remove Faded Flowers Not appreciating the importance of deadheading is a common mistake when growing container flowers, including those cascading spiller species.
    — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 22 July 2026
Definition of appreciating

Browse Nearby Words

lovey-doveyness
loving
lovingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loving. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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