Synonyms of admire

admire

verb

əd-ˈmī(-ə)r 

as in to respect

to think very highly or favorably of

I admire the way you handled such a touchy situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• respect
• appreciate
• regard
• love
• like
• commend
• praise
• enjoy
• applaud
• consider
• venerate
• revere
• esteem
• adore
• approve
• compliment
• reverence
• relish
• credit
• value
• acclaim
• savor
• idolize
• set store by
• favor
• drink (in)
• delight (in)
• cherish
• fancy
• revel (in)
• worship
• treasure
• dote (on)
• accredit
• dig
• prize
• hallow
• groove (on)
• adulate
• canonize
• deify

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• despise
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• dislike
• dismiss
• disregard
• disapprove
• condemn
• deplore
• disdain
• decry
• abominate
• scorn
• execrate
• discount
• vilify
• frown (on or upon)
• discountenance
• disfavor
• kiss off

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of admire

The blossoms themselves, like every year, take center stage as thousands flock to (and around) the National Mall in Washington, for a chance to admire the beautiful and fragile flowers in person. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026

Now the political leaders who have long admired Orbán’s methods are gathering to help him. —Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026

Indeed, much of the ambitious sculpture of the postwar period that Gehry admired, and that critics have sometimes invoked to judge his work, was founded on the systematic elimination of the very problems architecture must solve. —Julian Rose, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026

Both women are based in the Twin Cities, and the homeowner had grown to admire McDonald’s perspective on design and daily life as reflected in her online posts. —Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2026