loving

adjective

lov·​ing ˈlə-viŋ How to pronounce loving (audio)
Synonyms of lovingnext
1
: affectionate
2
: painstaking
lovingly
ˈlə-viŋ-lē How to pronounce loving (audio)
adverb
lovingness noun

Synonyms of loving

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Examples of loving in a Sentence

The old house has undergone a loving restoration. they were a loving family, supporting each other when times were bad
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.
The bright artwork and friendly prose capture the complexities of kids’ emotions and celebrate the fun that a loving caregiver and child can have together even when life feels tough. — Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026 Shockley is remembered by friends and family as a loving father to his 5-year-old son. — Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026 Theirs is a loving relationship, yet reminders about his frustrating habits don’t work on this letter writer’s husband. — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2026 Spirit sees us as completely spiritual, forever loved by God and completely loving in our expression of God. — Mark Swinney, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for loving

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loving was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing loving

Rhymes for loving

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Browse Nearby Words

lovey-dovey
loving
loving cup
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Cite this Entry

“Loving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loving. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

loving

adjective
lov·​ing
ˈləv-iŋ
: feeling or showing love : affectionate
loving care
a loving glance
lovingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on loving

Nglish: Translation of loving for Spanish Speakers

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