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

Examples of admire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Walk through the historic city center, admiring its colorful courtyards and picturesque streets. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2024

Real Sensitivity The process bonded Garfield and Crowley, who both admired the dedication and sensitivity the other one brought to the project. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2024

Read on for tips on how and when to find comet A3 in your part of the country, plus picturesque perches to admire it. —Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2024

Sophie is a true pioneer in the Entertainment field, and a visionary business leader who is admired and respected across the industry. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2024