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

Inside the factory, Senator Weld admires a display in the atrium that charts Weirton Steel’s rise and fall and the men and women who worked there. —Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2025

Pep Guardiola, a great soccer coach in Europe, admires Gregg Popovich, a Hall of Fame basketball coach in the United States. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025

For Liz’s audience, who admired her for her high standards, this betrayal was deeply unsettling. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

Many folks have visited New Orleans and admired the ornate French Colonial architecture on display. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 May 2025