endearing

adjective

en·​dear·​ing in-ˈdir-iŋ 

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

in-ˈdir-iŋ-lē 

en-

adverb

an endearingly warmhearted person

Synonyms

• adorable
• darling
• dear
• disarming
• lovable
• loveable
• lovesome
• precious
• sweet
• winning
• winsome

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

This allowed the audience the treat of two bumbling acceptance speeches from the endearing Nick Park, and the sight of three grown men carrying toy models of Wallace, Gromit, and a gnome to the podium twice. —Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025

Comments Paddington in Peru is an endearing addition to the three-installment film series and truly showcases the message that home is where your true treasure is. —Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 12 Feb. 2025

Torn between two very different suitors, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), Bridget’s journey of self-discovery and romance is funny and endearing. —Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025

Ke Huy Quan has an endearing reunion with former The Goonies and Encino Man costar Sean Astin in his new action rom-com Love Hurts. —EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for endearing

• adhering
• appearing
• careering
• cohering
• inhering
• prehearing
• rehearing
• veneering
• bioengineering
• cheering
• clearing
• earing