RESPECT Synonyms: 153 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'respect' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of respect are admire , esteem , and regard . While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation. // after many years they came to respect her views

Q: When can 'admire' be used instead of 'respect'?

While in some cases nearly identical to respect , admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection. // a friend that I truly admire

Q: When could 'esteem' be used to replace 'respect'?

The words esteem and respect can be used in similar contexts, but esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation. // no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

Q: When might 'regard' be a better fit than 'respect'?

The words regard and respect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, regard is a general term that is usually qualified. // he is highly regarded in the profession

respect 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈspekt

Definition of respect next

as in regard

relation to or concern with something specified with respect to your application

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in admiration

a feeling of great approval and liking I have a lot of respect for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s steadfast courage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in regards

respects plural best wishes give your mother my respects

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

respect

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈspekt

as in to admire

to think very highly or favorably of an upstanding senator who is respected by political allies and foes alike

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb respect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of respect are admire, esteem, and regard. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

When can admire be used instead of respect?

While in some cases nearly identical to respect, admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When could esteem be used to replace respect?

The words esteem and respect can be used in similar contexts, but esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

When might regard be a better fit than respect?

The words regard and respect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

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 respect

Noun

As things evolve into an adult-to-adult relationship, the parent will need to let go of control, and show respect for their child's autonomy. —

wendy Wisner, Parents, 13 Feb. 2025 For decades, our company has been built on a foundation of integrity and respect for all of our employees and customers. —

Steven Portnoy, ABC News, 12 Feb. 2025

Verb

Understandably, then, there’s a fine line between respecting your preferences and veering into unhealthy superficiality. —

Jenna Ryu, SELF, 14 Feb. 2025 Challenging social injustices while respecting individuals' inherent dignity and worth are core values of social work, embedded in the profession's code of ethics. —

Andrea Hsu, NPR, 14 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for respect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for respect

Noun

With an increase in more businesses (non-traditional) asking for tips, and with digital payment machines being set higher, there is a growing sense of fatigue from consumers in regards to tipping.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
Despite being set in the 1980s, the movie still feels relevant to today’s times in regards to capitalism and greed.

— Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2025