beloved 1 of 2

adjective

bi-ˈləvd How to pronounce beloved (audio)
Definition of belovednext
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention her beloved cat sleeps in its own little bed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

beloved

2 of 2

noun

as in darling
a person with whom one is in love searching for some incredibly romantic spot in which to ask his beloved to marry him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 beloved
Adjective
The Cape Verde supporters also erupted in the 62nd minute when their beloved 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha denied Messi at point-blank range. — Miami Herald, 4 July 2026 In second place was Turkey's İçmeler Bay Beach, which the company noted was a former fishing village before being transformed into a beloved beach resort destination. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026
Noun
While wondering if his beloved will ever return, Jesse also grapples with grief, paranoia and family drama. — Caroline Killilea, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 Esau grows up to be a talented hunter and the favorite of his father, whereas Jacob grows up to be a quiet, indoor-favoring child and the beloved of his mother. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beloved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beloved
  1. loved
  2. darling
  3. cherished
  4. sweetheart
  5. favorite
  6. dear
  7. precious
  8. lover
Adjective
  • Along with the cooling centers, pools and splash pads will also be available, and well-being checks for friends and loved ones are available through 311.
    — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • When a fatal traffic collision happens in Tarrant County, families don’t just lose a loved one.
    — William Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026
Definition of loved
Noun
  • South Korea’s high-flying Kospi stock index, which is dominated by AI darlings SK Hynix, and Samsung, set a new record a few weeks ago only to suffer its fifth worst daily plunge ever days later.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • All eyes will be on Messi again as Argentina aims to knock off the tournament darling Cape Verde and advance to the Round of 16.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • And about month after he was taken, federal immigration agents swarmed Charlotte and the very neighborhood that held Omar’s cherished memories.
    — Julia Coin Updated July 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
  • For many years, Kirby compiled annual cookbooks featuring the group's favorite recipes from that year, creating a collection that chronicles both memorable meals and cherished friendships.
    — Christina Daves, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Definition of cherished
Noun
  • The book follows the relationship between Canadian sweetheart Shane Hollander and Russian bad boy Ilya Rosanov.
    — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • One early triumph was an award-winning 1998 Moesha episode in which the titular teen, played by America’s R&B sweetheart Brandy, is prescribed birth control.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 29 June 2026
Definition of sweetheart
Adjective
  • Right on time, a loyal customer walks in and heads straight to his favorite spot.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • Check out more of my favorite beauty products from this year below.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 July 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Frankly, my dear, Tom Jacobsen doesn’t give a dome.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 15 July 2025
  • Black bag, my dear — her work trip sets off a chain reaction in which George’s strength, i.e., faith in their relationship, becomes his weakness.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of dear
Adjective
  • Founded in 2000, APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange) is one of the largest online retailers of precious metals in the United States and the world.
    — Jamela Adam, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Argentina fans certainly owned the pre-game festivities, with the white-and-sky-blue jerseys dominating the parking lots, concession booths and precious corners of shade outside Hard Rock Stadium on Friday.
    — Matias Ocner, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of precious
Noun
  • Lindsay's sister Nicole (Christy Carlson Romano) seems to be the first to notice the enemies-to-lovers sparks flying, especially as Philip slips a sparkly shoe onto Lindsey's foot.
    — Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • The track went viral on TikTok earlier this year, with longtime lovers of the musician remembering the hit, while younger fans may have discovered it for the first time.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of lover

Browse Nearby Words

belongs
beloved
beloveds
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Cite this Entry

“Beloved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beloved. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beloved

Nglish: Translation of beloved for Spanish Speakers

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