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 Our devotion to cobbler is something to be admired. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2025 Read more: Mark Zuckerberg and Meta go all-in on Trump Last March, Zuckerberg was recorded admiring Indian billionaire Anant Ambani’s roughly $1 million watch, reportedly an RMS-10 Tourbillon Koi Fish. William Gavin, Quartz, 8 Jan. 2025 The actress, 28, was caught admiring her diamond sparkler from Tom Holland on stage in a sweet moment at a screening of her film Challengers in West Hollywood, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 6, in her first appearance since revealing her engagement ring at the 2025 Golden Globes. Escher Walcott, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025 During a boat ride organized by Imago Artis Travel, my husband and I admired Capri’s lighthouse, Villa Malaparte, and passed by the Blue Grotto before diving into the sea by a less-crowded grotto. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for admire 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admire
Verb
  • Amazon’s ad service highlights the need to reexamine how consent is obtained, understood, and respected in retail media.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Thank you for respecting these simple car etiquette rules.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Even after the boxes containing her 1,200-plus abstract paintings were opened, their significance was not fully appreciated at first.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025
  • These small acts remind your partner that they’re loved and appreciated, which can reignite feelings of closeness and attraction over time.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Police are asking anyone with information regarding these two attacks to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2025
  • The World Travel Awards are often regarded as the Oscars of the travel industry, and earning this title repeatedly demonstrates Guide to Iceland’s consistency in delivering top-tier services.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near admire

Cite this Entry

“Admire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admire. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on admire

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!