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

The many fashion celebrities who admired and worked with Valentino came together at the central Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. —Isabel Yip, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026

American elites aped European fashions, art, and manners, and Europeans admired American energy and efficiency. —Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026

The end result is a film that will likely be cherished by Disney fans but also admired by anyone interested in the making of an American classic. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Not surprisingly artists admire it as much as park patrons do. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026