loved
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for loved, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Held dear; cherished by someone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
adored
treasured
Antonyms
How to use loved
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a loved one
well loved
Etymology
From Middle English loved, luvd, from Old English lufode, first and third person singular past indicative of lufian; and Middle English loved, iloved, from Old English ġelufod, past participle of lufian; both equivalent to love + -ed.
Full origin of loved →Frequently asked questions
What does “loved” mean?
The word “loved” means held dear; cherished by someone. In plain terms, cared for and cherished.
How do you pronounce “loved”?
“Loved” is pronounced luhvd (/lʌvd/ in IPA).
How do you use “loved” in a sentence?
Here is “loved” used in a sentence: “She was deeply loved by her whole family.”
What part of speech is “loved”?
“Loved” is an adjective.
Is “loved” a common word?
“Loved” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'loved' and 'beloved'?
Both mean held dear, but they differ in tone and use. 'Loved' is the everyday word — 'a much-loved teacher,' 'she felt loved.' 'Beloved' is stronger and more formal or poetic, often placed before a noun or used as a term of endearment: 'my beloved friend,' 'dearly beloved.'
What is the difference between 'loved' and 'loving'?
'Loved' describes someone or something that receives love — the object of affection: 'a loved child.' 'Loving' describes someone who gives love or shows it: 'a loving parent.' In short, a loved person is cherished by others, while a loving person is warm and affectionate toward others.
What does it mean to feel loved?
To feel loved is to sense that you are held dear and valued by someone — that your presence matters and you are cared for. It often comes from warmth, attention, kindness, and being accepted as you are. Feeling loved brings comfort and security, and is widely seen as a basic human need.
What is the opposite of 'loved'?
The opposite is 'unloved,' 'hated,' or 'despised,' depending on how strong you want to be. 'Unloved' describes someone who receives no love or affection; 'hated' and 'despised' add active dislike. Where 'loved' means cherished and held dear, its opposites range from simply neglected to strongly disliked.
