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

The young man currently putting new siding on my house told me that what the world needs more of is heart: love, kindness, respect. —

Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025 Each member of One Direction paid their respects to their bandmate in a joint statement and in separate social media posts. —

Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 2 Feb. 2025

Verb

Therefore, for this resurgence to persist, SMH must respect the breakout, which will be reliant upon investors responding favorably to its holdings during earnings season, especially the biggest ones. —

Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025 The court failed to make a decision Tuesday that respected their intelligence and sentience. —

Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for respect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for respect

Noun

In that regard, Fisch considers the NFL broadcasts on Fox (Brady) and CBS (Romo) to be invaluable learning opportunities for his quarterbacks.

— Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
That is, their personal view of the way the world should be, with no deference to the Legislature and no regard for the victims of crime or the welfare of society.

— Timothy J. Cruz, Boston Herald, 2 Feb. 2025