ADMIRE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

admire

verb

əd-ˈmī(-ə)r

Definition of admire next

as in to respect

to think very highly or favorably of I admire the way you handled such a touchy situation

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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 America will be respected again and admired again, including by people of religion, faith and goodwill. —

Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025 Eisner didn’t think much of Feiffer’s artistic ability but admired the teenager’s enthusiasm and gave him jobs no one else wanted — coloring, clean-up, etc. — at a salary of next to nothing. —

Chris Koseluk, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025 And, of course, the big reveal comes when Toya unveils her Hermes Birkin bag, placing it in a glass case for everyone to admire. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 Jan. 2025 America will be respected again and admired again, including by people of religion, faith and good will. —

Axios, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for admire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for admire

Verb

Cardinal Lawrence — Conclave When this selection process kicked off, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence was well-liked and respected but not making waves or campaigning terribly hard to assume the top brass.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025
Lean principles—such as reducing waste in processes—are increasingly used to improve outcomes for patients while respecting the dignity and well-being of healthcare workers.

— Karlo Tanjuakio, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025