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

In her April 25 TikTok video, the airport worker bent down to get level with the crate, admiring the dog with a smile. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

North Country Outdoor Adventures, for example, runs nighttime ice-fishing tours near the city of Whitehorse that combine angling with night-sky viewing, while the new Yukon Spa in Dawson City has a rooftop barrel sauna and a whirlpool from which guests can admire the lights. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2025

There was also decidedly little for the world to admire about the U.S. and its vaunted ideals in the episode. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2025

The Met Gala is the celebration of culture and fashion, and the entire world gathers to gawk at, admire, and critique celebrities’ ostentatious outfits. —Teaghan Skulszki, Outside Online, 6 May 2025