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

Examples 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 Rather than emphasizing the impact of each move with their edit, the Xu brothers prefer to stand back and admire the action for its speed. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2024 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 It was created to celebrate and admire classic works of Black theater. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for admire 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admire
Verb
  • While not as well known as the chief lobbyist for gun owners, the National Rifle Association, the NSSF is respected and influential in business, political and gun-rights communities.
    Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Candidates spoke of the opportunity in Tustin to grow with new businesses and homes while also respecting the city’s history.
    Michael Slaten, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Snowbasin skiers appreciate the easy access to Ogden (20 miles away), the fast lift network, the 325 average annual inches of snowfall, and the quality hospitality.
    Sam Pfeifle, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024
  • But Tesla and Trump Media shares aren’t the only ones expected to appreciate following Trump’s victory.
    Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Discipline regarding health and financial matters will be necessary.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • There are no assurances regarding the success of these efforts.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near admire

Cite this Entry

“Admire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admire. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on admire

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