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esteem

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb esteem contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of esteem are admire, regard, and respect. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

When is admire a more appropriate choice than esteem?

The words admire and esteem can be used in similar contexts, but admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When is it sensible to use regard instead of esteem?

Although the words regard and esteem have much in common, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

Where would respect be a reasonable alternative to esteem?

In some situations, the words respect and esteem are roughly equivalent. However, respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

Examples of esteem in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Mental health is related to oral health beyond the latter's impact on self esteem. Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 Her inclusion of such fabrics in her art rejects the low esteem in which they are typically held, revealing their inherent dignity. Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024
Verb
By the middle of the twentieth century, U.S. officials were famous across the world for their know-how, esteemed as enterprising, imaginative problem solvers who could do almost anything in war or peace. Philip Zelikow, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2023 In Japan, he is treated with even more deference — and esteem. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for esteem 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
Noun
  • At the same time, he's also occasionally expressed admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping and has a record of seeking deals with ideologically divergent leaders.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The Tonight Show host appeared on The Howard Stern Show on Tuesday, Oct. 29, and spoke on his admiration for the late John Belushi, who was one of seven cast members in SNL's first season.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Commissioner Derek Burnett said when talking about a rezoning, there is not much the planning commission can do in the moment about a concern regarding potential developments.
    Gael Langdon, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Remember to be open-minded, honest and uncritical regarding one another’s stances.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Yet another participant said that although vacation time was respected, they were always expected to answer work calls.
    Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 5 Nov. 2024
  • As Americans cast their votes, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to respecting the United States' internal affairs, stating that China hopes to collaborate with the U.S. regardless of the election's outcome.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano is one of the world’s most famous and beloved cheeses, yet its birthplace is rarely one of the first places that people think of when planning a trip to Italy.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Not everyone thinks the jokes are funny, of course.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • By allowing people to connect with nature in ways that can foster a deep appreciation for protecting it, the experiences are numerous.
    Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This is not the first time that the cast of Grey’s Anatomy has shown their appreciation for Swift’s music.
    Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Michigan is among the handful of states considered key to deciding the presidential election.
    Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Wildflowers, the solo album that Petty himself considered his greatest work, was released 30 years ago this week on November 1, 1994.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • From Royal Ascot in June to the Earthshot tour in Singapore last year, the blue design (made from approximately 3.5 plastic bottles) even got admired by British designer Stella McCartney earlier this year.
    Monique Jessen, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Hisham Younes, who runs the environmental organization Green Southerners, says generations of southerners admired Mhaibib for its one-or two-story stone homes, some built by Jaber’s grandfather and his friends.
    Sally Abou Aljoud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Given the challenges facing Jamaica, Harris believed that a new economic strategy was needed.
    John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024
  • While fans and some business observers believe that the NBA and its peer leagues are competing for limited attention from fans, de Mello sees the opposite.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near esteem

Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on esteem

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