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

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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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 Odysseus was admired and revered as a great warrior but more importantly, a great leader. — Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026 These Harry Bertoia stools spotted on 1stDibs are the type of seats that can be dressed up or down—or left alone to be adequately admired. — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026 Sanghee does have support, however, from her younger stepsister (Park Miso), a shy aspiring artist who admires both her films and her principles; if only Sanghee liked her more. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026 Going there still feels like being let in on a local secret, which Bourdain and its many other regulars over the years would admire. — Matt Cortina, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for admire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for admire

Verb

The district also asked the community to respect the family's privacy.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Set a spending cap, offer a creative alternative, and choose pleasure that still respects your future comfort.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of respect

Verb

Almost since its inception, Westman Atelier has been the subject of speculation regarding a potential acquisition.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.

— Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of regard

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“Admire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admire. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of admire

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