Synonyms of admire

admire

verb

əd-ˈmī(-ə)r 

as in to respect

to think very highly or favorably of

I admire the way you handled such a touchy situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• respect
• appreciate
• regard
• love
• like
• praise
• commend
• enjoy
• applaud
• consider
• venerate
• revere
• esteem
• adore
• reverence
• compliment
• set store on
• approve
• relish
• savour
• credit
• value
• acclaim
• savor
• set store by
• idolize
• favor
• drink (in)
• delight (in)
• revel (in)
• fancy
• worship
• cherish
• dote (on)
• accredit
• treasure
• groove (on)
• dig
• prize
• hallow
• deify
• adulate
• canonize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• despise
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• dislike
• dismiss
• disregard
• disapprove
• condemn
• deplore
• disdain
• decry
• abominate
• scorn
• execrate
• discount
• vilify
• frown (on or upon)
• discountenance
• disfavor
• kiss off

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb admire contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of admire are esteem, regard, and respect. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When can esteem be used instead of admire?

The words esteem and admire are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

Where would regard be a reasonable alternative to admire?

While in some cases nearly identical to admire, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

When is respect a more appropriate choice than admire?

While the synonyms respect and admire are close in meaning, respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of admire

This newly designed, two-story space will celebrate classic California Craftsman design and will be a place for lounging with a good book, relaxing with a glass of wine or admiring the hotel’s Great Hall lobby below. —Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

There are lots of other ways to admire the region’s autumnal splendor, from crossing the swinging bridge at Seven Bends State Park to riding the chairlift at Bryce Resort. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025

Toney is a beacon of self-assurance and statue admired by Siegfried & Roy until his timely passing. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025

In fact, despite playing one of her most aloof characters yet, the real Roberts starts to tear up when Sevigny talks about admiring her. —Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025