ENDEAR Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

endear

verb

Definition of endear

as in to commend

to cause (someone) to be loved or admired by (someone or something) They endeared themselves to the whole town.

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of endear Katseye doesn’t seem to get in as much trouble as K-pop idols have in the past for swearing; a patina of unruliness has endeared the group to its followers. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026 What the story is actually about almost doesn’t matter — just enjoy the quiet luxury of it all, with the ever-endearing Fabrice Luchini in the lead doing yet another bumbling, bourgeois gentleman of a certain age. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 With quick feet, high IQ, and patience, Burkin carries a modesty that endears him to his teammates and coaches. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026 What endears him to viewers is the balance between his weaknesses and honest emotions, his ambition and good intentions, and his growing maturity, even when his instincts sometimes outrun his judgment. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for endear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for endear

Verb

Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue posted on Facebook commending the work of volunteers who banded together to care for the dogs.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
The music department, as well as Courcol’s lively directing and writing, must be commended for scenes of the brass ensemble playing and rehearsing, in a constantly dynamic interaction with dialogue.

— Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of commend

Verb

Top Plays from Bears @ Titans To be clear, the first version will likely be revised and massaged before the Bears arrive at their first meaningful practice of Week 1.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag and pour marinade over them; seal and massage to coat chicken.

— Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of massage

Verb

This was Stones’ way of repaying the supporters and ingratiating himself with his new public.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
By dint of being more active than Harris – and others – have been, Newsom has been able to ingratiate himself with donors.

— Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 16 July 2026

Definition of ingratiate

Verb

Truly, no one is more willing than a Harrie to snap 25 photos of you outside the venue (plus retakes, if necessary) before effusively complimenting your hair glitter.

— Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
As for freshman running backs Jonaz Walton and Javian Osborne, Denbrock complimented the four-star prospects’ potential while also throwing cold water on expectations for them this early in their careers.

— Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of compliment

Verb

Trailing 4-3 in the ninth, Tim Tawa coaxed a one-out walk from Jacob Webb to start the decisive rally.

— CBS News, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
The offensive line might kick … butt, and Hafley is a good enough defensive mind to coax a better than expected year out of the defense.

— The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of coax

Verb

Jolly, who’s been campaigning against divisiveness in politics, issued a statement congratulating Avila shortly after Tuesday’s announcement.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
In the letter, written after Eminem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, Parton congratulated the artist on the honor and praised his performance that night.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of congratulate

Verb

In the clip, Bottomley’s character can be seen cajoling Howells’ Taylor into having a drink and letting loose at a house party.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026
The Oscar winner cajoles a reluctant LookingGlass, who plays Amziah’s former foster child Kateri, into singing along.

— Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of cajole

Verb

Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
She was promoted to worship leader, a job typically held by an older member of the church.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of worship

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“Endear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endear. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of endear

verb

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