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Synonyms

loved one

American  

noun

  1. a close or cherished relation.

    to mourn the loss of our loved ones.

Etymology

Origin of loved one

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Let’s ensure this presumption of innocence means something in practice if you, or your loved one, need it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Would you buy an emotionally intelligent robot to look after a loved one?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Their reunion is surreal because it’s predicated on their mutual ability to admit fault, something that few of us have the opportunity to do after we walk away from a loved one scorned.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

The family of Melissa Casias also addressed the case on Facebook - again indicating that their loved one left deliberately.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

They knew everyone, it seemed, everyone from the east side anyway, but they loved one another best.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.