Synonyms of regard
1
a
: a protective interest : care
has no regard for her health
b
: attention, consideration
due regard should be given to all facets of the question
2
a(1)
: a feeling of respect and affection : esteem
she soon won the regard of her colleagues
(2)
regards plural : friendly greetings implying such feeling
give him my regards
b
: the worth or estimation in which something or someone is held
a man of small regard
3
: an aspect to be taken into consideration : respect
is a small school, and is fortunate in this regard
4
: look, gaze
5
: a basis of action or opinion : motive
6
archaic : appearance
7
obsolete : intention

regard

2 of 2

verb

regarded; regarding; regards

transitive verb

1
: to consider and appraise usually from a particular point of view
is highly regarded as a mechanic
2
: to pay attention to : take into consideration or account
3
: to look at
4
a
: to show respect or consideration for
b
: to hold in high esteem
5
archaic : to relate to

intransitive verb

1
: to look attentively : gaze
2
: to pay attention : heed
Choose the Right Synonym for regard

regard, respect, esteem, admire mean to recognize the worth of a person or thing.

regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

Examples of regard in a Sentence

Noun I have no regard for his opinions. I have a deep regard for humanitarian aid workers who risk everything to help the poor. Verb The police officer regarded the group of teenagers with suspicion. she regarded him with astonishment when he announced he had gotten engaged
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Latino opinions in this regard are not all that different from those of other Americans. — Lisa García Bedolla, Time, 4 Nov. 2026 But his moves to reshape the party in his image over the past two years also often showed little regard for conventional political risk assessment. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
The stark contradiction between classroom theory and real world events sparked his curiosity regarding financial systems and influenced his perspective on how economic policy should manage operational risks. — CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026 In addition, Georgia’s economic development record is already well-regarded, including recent project announcements with thousands of jobs and a pro-business reputation that’s touted by both sides of the political aisle. — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for regard

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from regarder

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French regarder to look back at, regard, from re- + garder to guard, look at — more at guard

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6

Verb

1509, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of regard was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Regard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regard. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

regard

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: consideration sense 2, concern
little regard for others' feelings
b
: the act or an instance of looking : gaze
2
a
: the worth or estimation in which something is held
b
: a feeling of respect and affection : esteem
a high regard for my teacher
c
plural : friendly greetings
give them my regards
3
: reference entry 1 sense 2, respect
this is in regard to your unpaid balance
4
: a point to be taken into consideration
nothing to worry about in that regard

regard

2 of 2 verb
1
: to pay attention to : take into consideration
2
a
: to show respect or consideration for
b
: to have a high opinion of
3
: to look at
4
archaic : to relate to
5
: to think of : look upon
regarded you as a friend
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