1
as in valuable
commanding a large price
caviar has always been among the dearest of foods
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in beloved
granted special treatment or attention
spared no expense when caring for and feeding her dear little dog
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adorable
having qualities that tend to make one loved
a dear friend that I would do anything for
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in darling
a person with whom one is in love
I love you, dear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dear
Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2025
From now on attention would fall on his poetic creations, an increasing focus that brought with it greater public recognition but also distance from those dear to him.
—Gregory Jusdanis, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 14 Nov. 2024
At a recent event raising money for the Men Wear Pink campaign and for the Cincinnati Friars Club, another charity dear to Altenau's heart, the ambassadors climbed on stage and sang her a song.
—Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dear
Adjective
Its official name is the Eleanor 55, after a dear friend of Spellman.
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2025
From now on attention would fall on his poetic creations, an increasing focus that brought with it greater public recognition but also distance from those dear to him.
—Gregory Jusdanis, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
Decked out for the holidays While the angel ornaments sit in a glass case, Donna holds two ornaments on the dining room Christmas tree dear.
—Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 14 Nov. 2024
At a recent event raising money for the Men Wear Pink campaign and for the Cincinnati Friars Club, another charity dear to Altenau's heart, the ambassadors climbed on stage and sang her a song.
—Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dear
Adjective
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Somewhere that was more valuable from my perspective of doing.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
31 Aug. 2025
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The Measurement Trap: Beyond Technical Metrics The current landscape of AI evaluation is dominated by technical benchmarks that, while valuable, tell only part of the story.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Algae blooms are a huge and growing problem for Wisconsin's beloved waters.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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Oaxaca has always been a beloved destination for in-the-know travelers.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In July, the Happy Gilmore 2 actor shared several adorable photos of himself and his now-fiancée spending time with friends and Swift’s brother, Austin.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
26 Aug. 2025
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One of my favorite stops was Fox in the Snow Café, an adorable bakery in the Italian Village whose popularity is often measured by the long lines.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The brand’s latest Color Series Mason jar collection nods to classic designs of the past, with darling details that bring nostalgic charm to any space whether they’re used in the kitchen for food storage or around the house as decor.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
13 Aug. 2025
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Milwaukee has arguably moved ahead of Tampa Bay and Cleveland as baseball’s small-market darling.—
Sahadev Sharma,
New York Times,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But perhaps what’s even more interesting is that it’s somehow become less expensive than the $32,780 2011 LEAF.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Aug. 2025
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Pictured below are the six most expensive houses sold in Little Rock for the week of July 21-25.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The seasonal tradition dates back centuries and represents a cornerstone of local agriculture, with Michigan business owners carrying on family legacies of 19th century mills, serving up sweet treats for communities around the state.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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The sweet treats include a toffee cream pie, a grape soft serve, and a special McFlurry topped with Oreo crumbs.—
Alex Perry,
The Enquirer,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Similarly, Bongiovi’s parents, iconic rocker Jon Bon Jovi and wife Dorothea Hurley, were high school sweethearts who married young.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Aug. 2025
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The winter trees that circle the small lake are bare, but what about the pigeons swelling themselves up for courting, chasing their sweethearts across the grass?—
Deborah Levy,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Last week, several parents testified in support of the bill, telling lawmakers about their precious daughters.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
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There’s no sense in saving (and potentially forgetting about) this precious cut.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dear. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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