endear

verb

en·​dear in-ˈdir How to pronounce endear (audio)
en-
endeared; endearing; endears
Synonyms of endearnext

transitive verb

1
: to cause to become beloved or admired
her generosity has endeared her to the public
2
obsolete : to make higher in cost, value, or estimation

Examples of endear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Tiffy Time arrived with a furious comeback from Stratton, who endeared herself to the Canadian crowd with a mix of gymnastics and a double-stomp dropkick on Jax and LeRae. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 Luka did not have Dirk’s sense of humor, or a level of humility that endeared him to the world. — Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2025 If nothing else, this little term of endearment doesn't really seem exactly, well, endearing. — Megan McCluskey, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025 One pole of the action is the Green Dolphin Hotel, where Hezekiah and Alec finally find a place to land, and where Hezekiah’s ability to speak Chinese, a legacy from a Chinese grandmother, endears him to the proprietor, Mr. Lao (Jason Tobin, quiet and wonderful); some Elephants are around as well. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for endear

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of endear was in 1580

Phrases Containing endear

Rhymes for endear

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Browse Nearby Words

endear
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Cite this Entry

“Endear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endear. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

endear

verb
en·​dear in-ˈdi(ə)r How to pronounce endear (audio)
: to cause to become dear or beloved
her generosity has endeared her to the public

More from Merriam-Webster on endear

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for endear

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