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

The Republican operative Karl Rove has written an admiring book on McKinley. —Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025

Haley admired how the sisters took care of the residents — and each other. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025

Trump openly admires foreign strongmen who put down dissent. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 June 2025

In an Instagram carousel shared on Wednesday, June 4, Popeyes posted a collection of posts from around social media admiring their marketing and swift movements. —Moná Thomas, People.com, 5 June 2025