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esteem

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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
But becoming the youngest Premier League goalscorer feels close to inevitable, given Dowman has almost the whole of the 2025-26 season to do it and the esteem in which he is held. Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025 Through these conversations, Sacks earned the esteem of his own heroes, including humorist and New Yorker writer David Sedaris. Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
For all the online outrage directed at the notions of baby bonuses and medals, some women may well find appeal in the government’s promise, however hollow, to esteem motherhood. Seyward Darby, Vogue, 3 May 2025 Brando has been long esteemed as America’s greatest, most influential actor and for Dillon, 61, bringing the late icon to life in one of his most iconic roles was irresistible. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
Noun
  • Students who attended the campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday described a mix of admiration for America’s tradition of free speech and horror at how quickly violence shattered it.
    Julia Bonavita , Stepheny Price , Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In March, Newsom sat down with Kirk for a lengthy interview in which, despite their obvious political differences, the governor expressed admiration for the commentator's political prowess and success.
    Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Police ask anyone with information regarding Londyn's whereabouts to call Milwaukee Police Department District Two at 414-935-7222.
    Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The 2008 comedy became one of Rogen's most beloved features and has since been talked about for years regarding a sequel.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Yet last week’s warning from Jet2, a business respected for its cost control and excellent customer service, has served as a reminder that, for all the impressive growth of recent years, this remains a volatile and sometimes unpredictable sector.
    Ian King, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Standing independently would be an Excelsior building that respected the architecture of the original 1940s building.
    Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Shoddy-Mushroom-8456/Shoddy-Mushroom-8456 Others thought Bella could be a Goldador—a popular cross between a golden retriever and a Labrador retriever, combining the traits of both breeds.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Treasure & Bond Puff-Sleeve Sweatshirt And don’t think for a second that puff-sleeves are only for fancy occasions!
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Language contains appreciation, perspective, and possibility.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Since the 2010s, however, his photographs have started to appear with greater frequency and impact in small exhibitions throughout the Pacific Northwest, earning Matsura an ever-widening circle of admiration and appreciation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Technical reliability is a make-or-break factor when considering industrial integration.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The will also states that priority should be given to luxury giant LVMH, L'Oreal, EssilorLuxottica or other groups, Reuters reported, adding that heirs should consider other fashion and luxury companies with which Armani's company has commercial ties for a sale.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • One of Lynne’s favorite stories is how their grandson took to admiring cars when their daughter’s family came to live with them during the pandemic.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Both were viewed by the fashion industry as the types to admire and follow.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lerner believes that without smarter management, enterprises will face spiraling bills and strained infrastructure.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The governor said that the suspect is believed to have acted alone.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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