admiration

noun

ad·​mi·​ra·​tion ˌad-mə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: a feeling of respect and approval

They had/felt great admiration for her courage.

2

: an object of esteem

… his perfect horsemanship … was one of my earliest admirations.

—Joseph Conrad

3

archaic : wonder

Synonyms of admiration

• respect
• appreciation
• regard
• praise
• adoration

Examples of admiration in a Sentence

She looked at them in admiration.

I have great admiration for her courage.

We were filled with admiration for him.

She earned the admiration of her coworkers.

I have a great admiration for her courage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kerr’s system of sustained excellence has captured the notice, admiration, and even attempts at emulation in business and politics. —John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

Leverkusen’s admiration for Hurzeler coincides with doubts about the viability of his longevity at the Amex Stadium after fierce criticism from sections of the fanbase. —Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026

When asked about his cousin — Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia — Acuña nearly blushed with admiration. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026

In the film, Offerman expresses admiration for the work of author and environmental activist Wendell Berry and travels to the writer’s home base in Henry County, Kentucky. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English admiracion, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French amiracion, going back to Old French ammiration, borrowed from Latin admīrātiōn-, admīrātiō, from admīrārī "to admire" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing admiration

• self-admiration

Rhymes for admiration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

admiration

noun

ad·​mi·​ra·​tion ˌad-mə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: an object of admiring regard

2

: a feeling of great and delighted approval