Synonym Chooser

How does the verb admire contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of admire are esteem, regard, and respect. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When can esteem be used instead of admire?

The words esteem and admire are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

Where would regard be a reasonable alternative to admire?

While in some cases nearly identical to admire, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

When is respect a more appropriate choice than admire?

While the synonyms respect and admire are close in meaning, respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of admire In Leo, the red planet wants to be seen, celebrated and admired. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 May 2025 Something similar happened to Juan Soto later on, with the superstar admiring what looked like a sure leadoff homer only to settle for a wall-scraping single. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 20 May 2025 The sky holds endless cosmic treasures to admire all year round, but one of the most valuable sights will soon shine at its brightest: the Milky Way. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2025 Crystal Palace’s Guehi remains admired at centre-back and Burnley’s James Trafford has long been a goalkeeper target. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for admire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admire
Verb
  • Trump’s moral choice is to respect Gulf states’ unique history, culture, religion, and society.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 4 June 2025
  • CrowdStrike shares never deserved to be that low, but a move like that must be respected.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Toward the aft of the aircraft is one of Rodriguez’s favorite features—and one which most early risers would appreciate.
    Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 4 June 2025
  • The Swiss currency has appreciated 10% against the U.S. dollar since the beginning of the year – but inside Switzerland's borders, rising demand for the franc is stirring up challenges for policymakers.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina Stance: Undecided Concerns: Tillis has raised issues regarding the bill's potential effects on Medicaid and renewable energy incentives, suggesting that these factors are under consideration in his decision-making process.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Stevens is well regarded for his basketball IQ and ability to develop young talent.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Admire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admire. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on admire

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!