esteem 1 of 2

Definition of esteemnext

esteem

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb esteem contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of esteem are admire, regard, and respect. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

When is admire a more appropriate choice than esteem?

The words admire and esteem can be used in similar contexts, but admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When is it sensible to use regard instead of esteem?

Although the words regard and esteem have much in common, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

Where would respect be a reasonable alternative to esteem?

In some situations, the words respect and esteem are roughly equivalent. However, respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

How does the verb esteem contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of esteem are admire, regard, and respect. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

When is admire a more appropriate choice than esteem?

The words admire and esteem can be used in similar contexts, but admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When is it sensible to use regard instead of esteem?

Although the words regard and esteem have much in common, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

Where would respect be a reasonable alternative to esteem?

In some situations, the words respect and esteem are roughly equivalent. However, respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

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 esteem
Noun
Civil rights and human rights were a second trajectory that took the United States to a special place in global esteem. Llewellyn King, Twin Cities, 26 Feb. 2026 The forecaster who makes the most accurate predictions, as early as possible, can earn a cash prize and, perhaps more important, the esteem of the world’s most talented seers. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Among sportswriters, he was esteemed for his boxing coverage. Lawrence Wright, New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2025 The most successful merchandisers are those who esteem creativity, speak a designer’s language, and can build the right structure so that the designer’s artistic vision will shine. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
Noun
  • The two had been friends since the 1960s, and Gehry felt a deep admiration for Price, tinged with sympathy.
    Julian Rose, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
  • But again, there was no quid pro quo for this apart from friendship, admiration, and love for the man.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The helpful trine between the Moon in your private 12th house and Jupiter in your cautious 8th house offers astrological support regarding tender topics.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Defense attorneys had lined up a Texas lab regarded as one of the most respected in the nation, with the head of that lab testifying that the testing and analysis of any DNA that could be extracted would take two weeks or less.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Pastors doubt their stories, especially when the accused is respected.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Police said no additional information is available and asked the public to respect the reporting party's privacy.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • What was John thinking before the surface of the water appeared before his windshield, rushing forward at terrifying speed?
    Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
  • How many average people have once thought about harming ourselves or others?
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And on Friday, the cheers before his first at-bat in the top of the first inning were long enough that both plate umpire Chris Segal and Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez stepped away from the plate to allow a sellout crowd of 36,233 to show its appreciation.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Later, when Shell expressed appreciation, Cipriani pitched Star Serenade, initially over the phone — presuming the executive would, at the least, boost its chance for an inside track at a green light.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In a 2015 email, when Mead Johnson was considering supplying some of its formula to a researcher for a study, a company neonatologist expressed concern that the results could be spun to make the preemie product look unsafe.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • At twenty-five cents a pack, they were considered a medium-status brand, still a splurge for most people in China.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Look at this man trying to find points of connection while also admiring her work and lifting it above his.
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Others, though, quietly admire the speed at which Treasury is acting.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Two adults and three children were said to be in serious condition, while three other adults were believed to be in fair condition after they were all taken to nearby hospitals, firefighters said.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which Christians believe occurred three days after his crucifixion, according to the Bible.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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