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.
But after endearing us to this eager and innocent narrator, Saunders blindsides us. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 And this is yet another example of Perez’s love for baseball, an infectious enthusiasm that endears him to fans. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026 SoloMania roared into WrestleMania as Solo’s antics endeared him to a big crowd in US Bank Stadium of over 35,000. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Here’s the truth about Malkin, the part of his story that remains somewhat confounding if not endearing. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 31 July 2026 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

See All Rhymes for endear

Browse Nearby Words

end-dump
endear
endearing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Endear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endear. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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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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