respect 1 of 2

1
as in regard
relation to or concern with something specified with respect to your application

Synonyms & Similar Words

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respect

2 of 2

verb

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

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 respect
Noun
Pope Francis' tomb opens to visitors at Rome's St. Mary Major Basilica The tomb of Pope Francis was opened to visitors at St. Mary Major Basilica, where Catholic faithful lined up to pay their respects a day after world leaders and hundreds of thousands attended the late pontiff's funeral. Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Well, one answer might simply have been: India’s reporting system is better than ours in several respects. Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
Instead, Washington should honor its commitments, boost trade and investment, step up diplomatic engagement, and respect foreign countries’ agency. Lynn Kuok, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025 President Putin, and everyone else, respected your President! Tara Suter, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for respect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respect
Noun
  • With regard to military aircraft and civilian transport, faster is generally better, and governments and wealthy individuals are prepared to pay for it.
    Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The Panthers could view him as competition, and a potential successor, for Blackshear in that regard.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In some ways, this is a good metaphor for the experience of Ramsey, of whom their co-star speaks with particular admiration.
    Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The product sold out within hours—prompting admiration, side-eyes, and curiosity in equal measure.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This renowned event transforms the charming coastal town into a haven for classic car aficionados, drawing thousands of visitors to admire an impressive array of vintage vehicles against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
    Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • There are plenty of reasons to admire the Elan, not least of all its beauty.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Give it up for the queen of not being afraid to reference or not reference (but mostly reference).
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • And somehow, the choice of attire leads to a reference to everyone’s favorite redhead from the original USA Network series.
    Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Yuskavage recounted that she was raised in a blue collar community in Pennsylvania, where there was little to no art on display, no contact with galleries and museums, and even less appreciation of art, or the possibility of being an artist.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This sentiment underscores a desire for fans to approach WWE programming with a sense of open-mindedness and appreciation for the storytelling.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Beachcombers and seashell hunters will appreciate the opportunity to find little treasures washed ashore.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Minimalists and modern design enthusiasts will appreciate sleek picks like the metal ceiling fans in this list.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Multiple derms sang this serum’s praises, pointing to its hyaluronic acid base.
    Rebecca Shinners, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2025
  • None of these shows have quite captured the zeitgeist like The Mandalorian did or garnered the critical praise of Andor.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The post didn’t come with shade, a backhanded compliment, or some cryptic message.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me?
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Respect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respect. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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