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

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 admire Once it’s set, carefully extract the brain from the mold and admire your creation. Cody Godwin, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025 Brought over from the lowlands of Eastern Asia, oriental bittersweet was primarily admired for its beauty. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025 But Netflix is also trying to sign influencers, and telling thousands of prospective partners that the company admires the tech currently gunning for their jobs doesn’t seem likely to play well either. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025 Minnesota’s star guard spent the immediate aftermath of his team’s elimination admiring Oklahoma City’s defensive connectivity. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for admire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admire
Verb
  • Flags on government buildings will be flown at half-mast for 30 days, and, according to NDTV World News, visitors to the country are also asked to respect the mourning period with their dress and behavior.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office urged the public to respect the privacy of the hostages' families.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Keep in mind, there are also often guest service perks available; Ali shares that visitors appreciate Langham’s butler suite services, which include unpacking, ironing, and arranging wardrobes for guests.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Pokémon fans will appreciate Jhené Aiko's 2019 Halloween costume as Ash Ketchum, the franchise's protagonist.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Anyone with information regarding this incident was urged to contact the Chandler Police Department at 480-782-4130.
    Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Its remarkable age provides unprecedented evidence regarding ancient Scythian culture.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Admire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admire. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on admire

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