dotes on

VERB

lavish affection on

Synonyms

WEAK

admire adore be fond of be infatuated with be sweet on cherish enjoy fancy hold dear idolize like love pet prize treasure worship

Antonyms

WEAK

ignore neglect

VERB

lavish

Synonyms

WEAK

admire adore cherish dote upon enjoy fancy hold dear idolize like love pet prize treasure worship

Antonyms

WEAK

brush aside disregard ignore neglect

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.

“Whistler” is narrated by protagonist Daphne Fuller, a 54-year-old English teacher married to Jonathan, a restlessly retired doctor and hospital administrator who dotes on his wife and whom he regards as “extraordinary.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

Graves, who travels with his wife and dotes on his grandchildren, says he had a very successful career and has a very full life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 4, 2025

But Shaimaa dotes on Zeina, calling her “princess,” hiding her tears - and her fears for the future - from her.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2024

Despite his political career, Bazoum has retained his people’s devotion to livestock, keeping camels that he dotes on, Liman-Tinguiri said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 11, 2023

“It would be a grand thing for one of those girls, wouldn’t it? Sallie says they are very intimate now, and the old man quite dotes on them.”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott