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 next

as in to respect

to think very highly or favorably of I admire the way you handled such a touchy situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Phillips admired his sister’s grit, her charm, her ability to light up a room with a smile. —

Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024 Fernando Valenzuela was a force to be loved, admired and remembered fondly. —

Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024 In an interview with the New York Times this week, Kelly said Trump met the definition of a fascist and had no understanding of the Constitution — and confirmed previous reports that Trump made admiring statements about Adolf Hitler. —

Todd Spangler, Variety, 26 Oct. 2024 Consider, when admiring the timepiece pictured above, that the debut model of this collectors’ darling was introduced to the world the same year that Friends aired for the first time, Oasis dropped Definitely Maybe, and O.J. Simpson went on the lam in the back of a white Ford Bronco. —

Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 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