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
Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2026
Minnesota prevailed, but at a tangible, dear cost.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2024
Somehow the ethereal little dears were inapprehensible without words.
—Tom Wolfe, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dear
Adjective
Think, dear reader, of the actor Matthew Rhys, who just this week gave an interview to the Wall Street Journal decrying, quite rightly, the lack of headphone use running rampant among video watchers in public spaces the world over.
—Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2026
Minnesota prevailed, but at a tangible, dear cost.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
Noun
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
Somehow the ethereal little dears were inapprehensible without words.
—Tom Wolfe, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dear
Adjective
-
The most valuable goods sit at the center of the bazaar, with prices becoming more accessible toward the outer edges.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
-
Several of Mourinho’s calls from his first spell are still remembered fondly — from his commitment to Angel Di Maria to short-term solutions such as Emmanuel Adebayor, whose half-season loan spell from Manchester City proved highly valuable during a crucial stretch of 2010-11.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
The couples and connections that formed also became beloved by viewers, especially for the reunion of Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, who ultimately won that season.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
-
Yes, the setting is shockingly similar to those in the beloved HBO comedy series, complete with a midcentury house and plenty of real-life influencers.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Zaya's adorable smile might just be her best accessory in this green and pink tuxedo inspired look that was perfectly coordinated with Union and Dwyane at the Better Brothers Los Angeles Truth Awards in March 2020.—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
-
Both actors are incandescent and the chemistry between them is off the charts, and Calvani is even more adorable this season as the demonstrative and frank Italian who longs for his homeland.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The group features sustainable darlings like Babylonstoren in South Africa and true regional gems like the storied La Mamounia, a landmark of Marrakech’s unrivaled hospitality scene.—
Erin Florio,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Kansas City can expect to see more of this advertising darling now that the salt company has moved its headquarters from Chicago to Overland Park.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Airfare has gotten more expensive and Potter expects prices are going to stay higher for the immediate future.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
-
Building more starter homes may be harder, since the financial incentives are to build more expensive homes.—
Allison Schrager,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Are there healthy ways to prepare ourselves and our loved ones for the inevitable?—
Chris Hewitt,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2026
-
Instead, Pagano and Dozier suggest having gentle, boundary-setting conversations that might encourage a loved one to address their hoarding habits.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Which made what unfolded Saturday afternoon at UC San Diego all the sweeter.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
-
The whisky is sweet and enticing on the nose, with aromas of vanilla fudge, toffee, apricot jam, and a touch of fresh barley grist.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Ruby and Kevin were high school sweethearts and shared three children, including a 3-month-old son, per Fox 4 News.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
25 May 2026
-
That's why at the end, Jonathan called me the sweetheart of the season.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dear. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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