Answer:

dear

Answer	Crossword Clue
DEAR	"... Abby"
DEAR	Cherished
DEAR	Letter opener

DEAR	Letter starter
DEAR	Term of affection
DEAR	Beloved
DEAR	Very expensive
DEAR	Sweet thing
DEAR	Expensive
DEAR	Sweetie
DEAR	Sweetpea

DEAR	Diary word
DEAR	Lamb
DEAR	Honey
DEAR	Letter opener?
DEAR	Diary-entry starter
DEAR	Honey substitute?
DEAR	Precious
DEAR	Precious one

DEAR	Start of many letters
DEAR	Sugar substitute?
DEAR	Costly
DEAR	Highly prized
DEAR	Close to one's heart
DEAR	Note opening
DEAR	Treasured
DEAR	Start of many a letter

DEAR	".. me!"
DEAR	Darling
DEAR	Intro for John?
DEAR	Pricey
DEAR	Sugarpie
DEAR	Hon
DEAR	Honeybunch
DEAR	Salutation starter

DEAR	Word before me or John
DEAR	Highly valued
DEAR	Sweetheart
DEAR	Turtledove
DEAR	Costing a pretty penny

Crossword

a puzzle consisting of a grid of squares and blanks into which words crossing vertically and horizontally are written according to clues.