love 1 of 2

verb

ˈləv How to pronounce love (audio)
Definition of lovenext
1
as in to adore
to feel passion, devotion, or tenderness for a husband who loves his wife more than anything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to treasure
to hold dear patriots who loved their country well enough to die for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to enjoy
to take pleasure in I love playing Frisbee in the summer rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to caress
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner the baby responded to my caresses and kisses by loving me right back

Synonyms & Similar Words

love

2 of 2

noun

ˈləv How to pronounce love (audio)
1
as in affection
a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone her love for her children was truly selfless

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in darling
a person with whom one is in love she is the love of my life

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in liking
positive regard for something a love of chocolate, which I will pay anything to indulge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in affair
a brief romantic relationship he refused to discuss past loves

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 love
Verb
Any team would love to have an All-Pro linebacker in Brooks to go along with another 100-tackle player and a promising rookie. — Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Armand tries on personalities — clingy boyfriend, conniving mastermind — and flocks to love interests like new rock star Lestat goes through vats of body glitter. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Noun
Enter pitch-a-friend, a live event format where a friend takes the mic with a PowerPoint deck and pitches you to a room of strangers looking for love, friendship or just a night out that does not involve their phone. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 Born and raised in Long Island, DeFossey moved to the city in 2009, falling in love with soccer in his new surroundings. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for love
Recent Examples of Synonyms for love
  1. adore
  2. treasure
  3. enjoy
  4. caress
  5. affection
  6. darling
  7. liking
  8. affair
Verb
  • Situated in an elegant French neoclassical building in Barcelona’s Eixample district, the hotel puts you just footsteps away from luxury shopping, restaurants adored by locals, and masterpieces by Gaudí and other Spanish architects.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • This French onion pasta side dish is loaded with deep, savory flavors that our recipe testers adored.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
Definition of adore
Verb
  • Compulsively interesting and beautifully written—there is something to treasure on every page.
    — Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
  • Luca and Gerardo treasure their parents' heritage with joy and dedication.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026
Definition of treasure
Verb
  • Defense stocks have enjoyed a bumper year in 2026, as conflicts from Ukraine to Iran increase demand for munitions worldwide.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • With estimated sales totaling €32 billion and a growth rate between 4-6% for 2025, jewelry seems to be enjoying its brightest summer yet.
    — Milena Martins-Alexandre, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of enjoy
Verb
  • After examining her injury, Brito began to caress and massage Patient 1’s foot under the guise of providing care.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
  • Richer, more concentrated Prosecco with delectable flavors of nectarine tart and apricot preserves with intense minerality and delicate bubbles that caress the palate.
    — Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Definition of caress
Noun
  • The inspiration came out of the genuine affection that both my troop and our trainers felt toward the pigs.
    — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
  • White one-upped her player’s show of affection by wrapping both arms around her.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026
Definition of affection
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
Noun
  • They’re designed with a drawstring waistband to adjust the fit to your liking, plus two side pockets, two cargo pockets, and two back pockets to hold your essentials.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
  • Plus, the straps can be tightened or loosened to your liking.
    — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of liking
Noun
  • And now, Swift’s fans are set to descend on the city, accompanied by hordes of media who until recently had little to no concrete information about the hush-hush affair.
    — Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • My job is to report in a timely manner on crime, mass shootings, war coverage, domestic and international affairs, pop culture and more.
    — Doha Madani, NBC news, 1 July 2026
Definition of affair

Phrases Containing love

Browse Nearby Words

lovable
love
love affair
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on love

Nglish: Translation of love for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about love

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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