esteem 1 of 2

esteem

2 of 2

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

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 esteem
Noun
Grade was less well known than the Nobel Prize laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer, but was held in greater esteem in some literary quarters. Joseph Berger, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 In 2021, Democrats held Congress in higher esteem for a moment, when their party controlled everything. Annie Karni, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
One Chicago boasts an innovative private sector, esteemed research universities and hospitals, a vast transportation network, and natural assets anchoring a proud past and potentially bright future. Forrest Claypool, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 The hub is esteemed as the regional specialist intensive care unit for major trauma, neurosciences, hyperacute stroke unit, renal medicine, vascular surgery, urology, plastic surgery, burns and infectious diseases, a palace statement said. Janine Henni, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
Noun
  • In some ways, this is a good metaphor for the experience of Ramsey, of whom their co-star speaks with particular admiration.
    Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The product sold out within hours—prompting admiration, side-eyes, and curiosity in equal measure.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The warning was issued Thursday at 4:16 p.m., and the last update regarding this incident was released on Thursday at 4:22 p.m.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Receiving regular playing time is a factor regarding whether Acuña sticks in the majors.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Whether the White House chooses to respect the Fed's independence remains to be seen.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Sleeper — Texas receiver Isaiah Bond — Bond is the type of receiver whose speed and movement skills will force defensive backs to respect his skills, giving him an extra yard or two off the line.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Officially launched at the end of the year, the collection brings Louboutin’s signature design codes to life in eyewear form—think bold architectural lines, sensual curves, and unmistakable touches of red.
    Mecca Pryor, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Researchers once thought this ability was unique to humans.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Yuskavage recounted that she was raised in a blue collar community in Pennsylvania, where there was little to no art on display, no contact with galleries and museums, and even less appreciation of art, or the possibility of being an artist.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This sentiment underscores a desire for fans to approach WWE programming with a sense of open-mindedness and appreciation for the storytelling.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The dispute ended up before the Supreme Court, and Chief Justice John Roberts put that deadline on hold to allow the high court more time to consider the matter.
    Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Legal representatives for Nelly urged the judge presiding over the case to consider delaying the dismissal and holding St. Lunatics accountable for the legal charges incurred.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There are plenty of reasons to admire the Elan, not least of all its beauty.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This renowned event transforms the charming coastal town into a haven for classic car aficionados, drawing thousands of visitors to admire an impressive array of vintage vehicles against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
    Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In China, markets fluctuated as investors responded to the White House clarifying that the level of tariffs on Chinese goods is now 145% -- not 125% as previously believed.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Jones believes the debate will only end when lawmakers take action.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on esteem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!