endearing

adjective

en·​dear·​ing in-ˈdir-iŋ How to pronounce endearing (audio)
en-
: arousing feelings of affection or admiration
an endearing habit/quality
… the character he plays … is one of the most endearing on television …Frank Owen
endearingly adverb
an endearingly warmhearted person

Examples of endearing in a Sentence

you have to wonder about people who don't find kittens and puppies endearing his impish sense of humor is one of his more endearing traits
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.
And instead of being sweet or endearing, this behavior comes off as smothering, inappropriate, or suspicious. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 28 Mar. 2025 Not to mention, their friendship is endearing to fans even outside of San Jose. Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 His Charles is endearing but also lined with sadness. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025 The logic behind this plan doesn’t completely hold up, but the execution leads to an entertaining and endearing coming-of-age drama. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for endearing

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of endearing was in 1766

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Cite this Entry

“Endearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endearing. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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