Crossword Genius

Tender names? (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

endearments

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'tender names?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'tender names?' is the wordplay.
'tender names' can be anagrammed to 'ENDEARMENTS'.
Though, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for endearments that I've seen is " Sweet nothings".)

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