Synonyms:
* Beloved: This is a strong synonym, implying deep love and affection.
* Loved: This is a more general term for someone you care about.
* Precious: This emphasizes the value and importance of the person or thing.
* Valued: This emphasizes the importance and worth of the person or thing.
* Cherished: This suggests that the person or thing is held in high regard and treated with great care.
* Adored: This implies a deep love and admiration.
* Expensive: This refers to the cost of something (less common but a possible meaning).
Antonyms:
* Hated: This is the strongest opposite, implying intense dislike or aversion.
* Despised: This suggests a strong feeling of contempt.
* Loathed: This implies a feeling of disgust and revulsion.
* Disliked: This is a more general term for not liking someone or something.
* Cheap: This refers to the cost of something (less common but a possible meaning).
The best synonym or antonym for "dear" will depend on the specific context in which you are using the word.