Holds dear

ADORES

Think of a strong, affectionate verb that rhymes with "soars" and describes how someone might feel about a beloved pet or person.

"Holds dear" is a straightforward definition clue pointing to a word that means to love or cherish deeply. The answer "ADORES" fits perfectly because it directly conveys strong affection—someone who adores something holds it in high regard. There’s no hidden wordplay here; it’s a simple synonym match where the clue and answer align in meaning. Think of how you might say, "She adores her grandmother," meaning she holds her dear.