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

Aubrey says her aunt is working with the artist to ship one out to Utah for the family to admire it themselves. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Over four million people from all over the world visit Yellowstone National Park every year to admire its grandeur and beauty. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 July 2026

Several stars who had either worked with Grisetti or merely admired his performances on stage mourned the loss. — Peter Gicas, Entertainment Weekly, 16 July 2026

There are literally hundreds more movie retro theaters and drive-ins to be admired in her book. — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026