respect 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈspekt How to pronounce respect (audio)
Definition of respectnext
1
as in admiration
a feeling of great approval and liking I have a lot of respect for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s steadfast courage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in regard
relation to or concern with something specified with respect to your application

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in regards
respects plural best wishes give your mother my respects

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

respect

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈspekt How to pronounce respect (audio)
as in to admire
to think very highly or favorably of an upstanding senator who is respected by political allies and foes alike

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb respect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of respect are admire, esteem, and regard. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

When can admire be used instead of respect?

While in some cases nearly identical to respect, admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When could esteem be used to replace respect?

The words esteem and respect can be used in similar contexts, but esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

When might regard be a better fit than respect?

The words regard and respect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

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 respect
Noun
With a dominant defensive line and the ability to run the ball, the Trailblazers certainly deserve respect. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 On Sunday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation for the first time since youth protests began one month ago, calling for calm, unity, and respect. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
The international community must reaffirm its commitment to respecting the cultural value of place naming and to articulate responsible place-naming principles, especially for geographical features that are shared across international borders. — Reuben Rose-Redwood, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 The vast majority of American Jews believe there should be a secure state of Israel, but many also believe in Israel respecting the lives and rights of Palestinians to live in their own state, Pesner said. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respect
  1. admiration
  2. regard
  3. regards
  4. admire
  5. appreciation
  6. reference
  7. greetings
  8. appreciate
Noun
  • As for Bodanzky, Fidalgo recalls a long mutual admiration between herself and the director.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Our colleague Helen Branswell was a renowned infectious disease reporter who earned the respect and admiration of experts and public health officials with her authoritative, prescient reporting on the flu, polio, Ebola and the Covid-19 pandemic.
    — Elaine Chen, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of admiration
Noun
  • Concerns that the administration is outrunning the courts The judges’ frustrations have also centered on the speed with which the administration is pushing ahead on the projects with little regard for the approvals needed to pursue such work.
    — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Mobile QBs have been a weakness for this defense all year — and the 6-foot-6 McKee didn’t pose much of a threat in this regard.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of regard
Noun
  • MacBooks are simply better laptops in most regards, with minor losses in display quality and AI functionality.
    — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Yet, in many regards, the Grammys remain a game of the usual suspects, as a certain level of visibility and proximity to mainstream America is seemingly required to claim a nomination, let alone a victory.
    — Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of regards
Verb
  • On top of these heat-seeking missiles, the platforms play to humans’ (particularly teens’) need to be accepted and admired by peers.
    — Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • As for the suites, the highlight is their private terraces, peaceful havens from which to admire, paradoxically, the urban whirlwind swirling below.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of admire
Noun
  • Still, other voters expressed appreciation for the deluge of White House assistance.
    — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Wednesday’s fan appreciation stuff was a swell gesture, as a start.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of appreciation
Noun
  • Their art selection is peppered with Alexander Calder mobiles, Ellsworth Kelly canvases, and Gerhard Richter paintings, works that offer plenty of reference material, naturally.
    — Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Investigators found antisemitic messages and other items in Horn's car and storage unit, including a journal containing references to Nazism and white supremacy.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of reference
Noun
  • In the age of computers and social media, old-fashioned pen and paper are still preferred by many for writing letters, thank-you notes, holiday and birthday greetings — at least according to Paolo Porta, chief executive officer of Smythson.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Owner Alejandro Godinez moves between orders and greetings, stopping to hug regulars and call customers by name.
    — Daniela Cintron - For the AJC, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of greetings
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

Phrases Containing respect

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resources
respect
respectability
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Cite this Entry

“Respect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respect. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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