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

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

No trip to the City of Angels would be complete without visiting his stylish shop, followed by a bite to eat at Found Oyster across the street to admire your new goods with some stellar bites. —John Lonsdale, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025

The Orbán-admiring Hungarian press is full of stories about how Orbán will be staying at Blair House, the official guest residence of the White House, a sign of how much things have changed since Orbán was persona non grata during the Biden years. —Kim Lane Scheppele, Time, 6 Nov. 2025

The car is probably best admired right now, at SEMA, in its natural habitat. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025

Venus Williams has long been admired for her grace, athleticism, and quiet confidence both on and off the tennis court. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 4 Nov. 2025