Synonyms for Dear
Definition of dear
adverb
- with affection; "she loved him dearly"; "he treats her affectionately"
- at a great cost; "he paid dearly for the food"; "this cost him dear"
adjective
- dearly loved
19 synonyms found
Writing tips for "dear"
Choosing the right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience. Words like affectionately, beloved, close can replace "dear" depending on the shade of meaning you need. In poetry and songwriting, swapping synonyms lets you match a rhyme scheme or meter without changing your meaning. In prose, varying your word choice avoids repetition and keeps readers engaged.
With 19 alternatives available, "dear" gives you flexibility across registers — from formal to casual, from literary to conversational. Try pairing these synonyms with our rhyme finder to discover words that both mean and sound like what you need.
"Dear" in song lyrics
See how dear is used in real songs:
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"So long my motherfuckin' dear"
2 Live Crew — 2 Live Blues -
"It's all about the paper here, so hear my dear"
Above the Law f/ Kokane — Kalifornia -
"I won't be getting dressed up to impress your family dear"
Aesop Rock f/ Pfac — Cook it Up