esteem 1 of 2

esteem

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb esteem contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of esteem are admire, regard, and respect. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

When is admire a more appropriate choice than esteem?

The words admire and esteem can be used in similar contexts, but admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When is it sensible to use regard instead of esteem?

Although the words regard and esteem have much in common, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

Where would respect be a reasonable alternative to esteem?

In some situations, the words respect and esteem are roughly equivalent. However, respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of esteem
Noun
But becoming the youngest Premier League goalscorer feels close to inevitable, given Dowman has almost the whole of the 2025-26 season to do it and the esteem in which he is held. Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025 Through these conversations, Sacks earned the esteem of his own heroes, including humorist and New Yorker writer David Sedaris. Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
For all the online outrage directed at the notions of baby bonuses and medals, some women may well find appeal in the government’s promise, however hollow, to esteem motherhood. Seyward Darby, Vogue, 3 May 2025 Brando has been long esteemed as America’s greatest, most influential actor and for Dillon, 61, bringing the late icon to life in one of his most iconic roles was irresistible. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
Noun
  • The mutual admiration during their talk was palpable.
    Michele Amabile Angermiller, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • My admiration and respect will never vanish.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Police ask anyone with information regarding Londyn's whereabouts to call Milwaukee Police Department District Two at 414-935-7222.
    Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The 2008 comedy became one of Rogen's most beloved features and has since been talked about for years regarding a sequel.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • His family asks that his privacy be respected.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The Grace features a design that respects the estate's history while bringing in contemporary elements.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Shoddy-Mushroom-8456/Shoddy-Mushroom-8456 Others thought Bella could be a Goldador—a popular cross between a golden retriever and a Labrador retriever, combining the traits of both breeds.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Treasure & Bond Puff-Sleeve Sweatshirt And don’t think for a second that puff-sleeves are only for fancy occasions!
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Hoffman grew up visiting the Cincinnati Zoo, which led to his appreciation for nature.
    Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Writer Claudia Riiff Finseth credits Tolkien’s Catholic upbringing and interest in Anglo-Saxon literature to his appreciation of the tree’s rich symbolism.
    Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Still, that isn’t a factor when considering how hard and inspired the Broncos played in front of a ninth straight sellout crowd at Albertsons Stadium.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
  • First things first — 1831 is a ludicrously early start date here, considering England didn’t play their first international until 1872.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • One of Lynne’s favorite stories is how their grandson took to admiring cars when their daughter’s family came to live with them during the pandemic.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Both were viewed by the fashion industry as the types to admire and follow.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Skinner believes a club like Manchester United should be attracting players of Rolfo’s calibre.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on esteem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!