dearly

adverb

dear·​ly ˈdir-lē How to pronounce dearly (audio)
1
: with affection : fondly
2
: heartily, earnestly
prayed so dearly for peace
3
: at a high rate or price
paid dearly for the error

Examples of dearly in a Sentence

I would dearly love to see them again. He dearly wanted to believe that it was true.
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.
Following the eviction, some Britons expressed concern for the fate of the dogs that the queen cherished so dearly. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 June 2026 Wembanyama, whose turnover late in Game 2 cost the Spurs dearly, didn’t make many mistakes Monday. — Brian Mahoney, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026 In Britain, politicians are paying dearly for the pervasive sense that life is only getting harder and more expensive. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 Otherwise, his anger could erupt and cost Prime Minister Mark Carney dearly. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dearly

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dearly was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing dearly

Rhymes for dearly

See All Rhymes for dearly

Browse Nearby Words

dearling
dearly
dearness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dearly. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dearly

Nglish: Translation of dearly for Spanish Speakers

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