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.
Throughout the ’50s, her appearance in risqué French films, some directed by then-husband Roger Vadim, endeared her to future giants of the nouvelle vague. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 28 Dec. 2025 Humphries, making the signature play of his career and perhaps San Diego’s Super Bowl season, displayed the grit that endeared him to teammates. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2025 This endears it to the White House, even though the current German government has sharply curtailed immigration. Trudy Rubin, Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2025 The McCallister house's charm has endeared fans for decades with its patterned wallpaper, grand staircase in the entryway and bold colors throughout. Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Endear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endear. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!