When it comes to expressing admiration or love for something or someone, saying "be fond of" is just the tip of the iceberg. There are several synonyms that you can use to convey the same feeling more precisely. For instance, you can replace "be fond of" with "adore," which means to love or admire someone or something deeply. Alternatively, you can use "like," "love," "enjoy," or "cherish," depending on the intensity of your fondness. Other synonymous phrases include "hold dear," "have a soft spot for," "feel affection for," and "be partial to." So, the next time you want to show how much you appreciate something or someone, reach for a more specific synonym.