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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

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 esteem
Noun
Mental health is related to oral health beyond the latter's impact on self esteem. Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 Her inclusion of such fabrics in her art rejects the low esteem in which they are typically held, revealing their inherent dignity. Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024
Verb
By the middle of the twentieth century, U.S. officials were famous across the world for their know-how, esteemed as enterprising, imaginative problem solvers who could do almost anything in war or peace. Philip Zelikow, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2023 In Japan, he is treated with even more deference — and esteem. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for esteem 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
Noun
  • At the same time, he's also occasionally expressed admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping and has a record of seeking deals with ideologically divergent leaders.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The Tonight Show host appeared on The Howard Stern Show on Tuesday, Oct. 29, and spoke on his admiration for the late John Belushi, who was one of seven cast members in SNL's first season.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Commissioner Derek Burnett said when talking about a rezoning, there is not much the planning commission can do in the moment about a concern regarding potential developments.
    Gael Langdon, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024
  • One individual provoked the athlete with an offensive and homophobic comment regarding his brother, Travis Kelce, and Travis's girlfriend, Taylor Swift.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Yet another participant said that although vacation time was respected, they were always expected to answer work calls.
    Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 5 Nov. 2024
  • As Americans cast their votes, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to respecting the United States' internal affairs, stating that China hopes to collaborate with the U.S. regardless of the election's outcome.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano is one of the world’s most famous and beloved cheeses, yet its birthplace is rarely one of the first places that people think of when planning a trip to Italy.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Not everyone thinks the jokes are funny, of course.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • According to job search site Indeed, small acts of appreciation or team-building moments, like bringing in treats or organizing a game, can go a long way in creating a positive work environment.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • By allowing people to connect with nature in ways that can foster a deep appreciation for protecting it, the experiences are numerous.
    Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • It is considered District 6 for political reasons, but it is only remotely connected to that area.
    Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Reflection in the sky with diamonds As climate change takes more of a toll on Earth, scientists are considering methods to cool the atmosphere.
    Devika Rao, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • From Royal Ascot in June to the Earthshot tour in Singapore last year, the blue design (made from approximately 3.5 plastic bottles) even got admired by British designer Stella McCartney earlier this year.
    Monique Jessen, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Hisham Younes, who runs the environmental organization Green Southerners, says generations of southerners admired Mhaibib for its one-or two-story stone homes, some built by Jaber’s grandfather and his friends.
    Sally Abou Aljoud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In the future, researchers believe similar dating methodologies could one day be applied to not just other meteorites, but planets.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
  • But human rights groups believe the real toll to be far greater, with thousands more users and small-time peddlers killed in mysterious circumstances by unknown assailants.
    Reuters, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near esteem

Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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