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 At a seated dinner for 50 people last week on the rooftop of the Hermès boutique in the Miami Design District, a guest admired a photo of the brand’s new H08 Skeleton on a green rubber strap. — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2026 Some home runs have their importance underscored by the author taking his time to admire his moon shot and round the base paths, milking every moment. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Murkowski is admired by independents and some Democrats in Alaska, while being largely scorned by the MAGA right. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026 Long before theme parks dominated Orlando, visitors came to the region to admire sprawling citrus groves, wander botanical gardens, and get an up-close look at Florida’s most famous reptiles. — Amber Love Bond, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for admire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for admire

Verb

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said the right to protest must be respected as long as demonstrations remain lawful, while condemning violence, looting and occupations.

— Amanda Macias, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
What drives genuine enjoyment, loyalty, and performance are feeling that your work matters and feeling respected, supported, and connected to the people around you.

— Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of respect

Verb

Even someone actively avoiding the trend cycle can appreciate a new way to wear their sweater vest and white button-down shirt.

— Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026
Some participants appreciate the light-hearted and good-natured humor, expressing gratitude and finding it timely and amusing.

— Edith Pritchett, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of appreciate

Verb

First introduced in Stephen King’s 1974 novel, Carrie, the character was immortalized in director Brian De Palma’s 1976 adaptation, widely regarded as one of the best horror films of all time.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
Sacramento County officials previously told The Sacramento Bee that there is no official local ordinance in the county code regarding pet burials.

— Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of regard

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“Admire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admire. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of admire

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