fondness

noun

fond·​ness ˈfän(d)-nəs How to pronounce fondness (audio)
Synonyms of fondnessnext
1
obsolete : foolishness, folly
2
: tender affection
3
: appetite, relish
had a fondness for argument

Synonyms of fondness

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Examples of fondness in a Sentence

my fondness for you will never fail I have a fondness for expensive chocolate.
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.
His daughter knows this tale well — and his fondness for verbal sparring. — Janine Rubenstein, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Thomas Jefferson was known for his decadent tastes and a fondness for French wine and macaroni and cheese. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 Trump’s fondness for showmanship has not been a match for public anxiety about his presidency. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 Lady Diana Spencer’s fondness for jewelry started early. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fondness

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fondness was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

fondly
fondness
fond of
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Cite this Entry

“Fondness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fondness. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fondness

Nglish: Translation of fondness for Spanish Speakers

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