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

Examples of respect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Indeed, the environment has long been a priority for the emirate and reflects a legacy of respect that dates back generations. —

Dubai Tourism Contributor, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Hundreds of people from the Palestinian and Arab communities of Milwaukee, Chicago and elsewhere have stopped by the family's home in Franklin to pay their respects since the death Saturday, Al-Hasan said. —

Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2024

Verb

One of these screens is a notice stating that Microsoft respects your privacy. —

PCMAG, 22 Oct. 2024 Organizers for the festival canceled the final day of events early Sunday, citing a desire to respect the families of those impacted. —

Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for respect

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'respect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.