ESTEEM Synonyms: 172 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

esteem 1 of 2

noun

i-ˈstēm

Definition of esteem

as in admiration

a feeling of great approval and liking an athlete who is held in great esteem by her peers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

esteem

2 of 2

verb

as in to regard

to think of in a particular way I had esteemed the whole affair to be a colossal waste of time

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to respect

to think very highly or favorably of although the works of the Impressionist painters are esteemed today, they met with scorn when they were introduced

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to think

to have as an opinion I should have esteemed it most unlikely that their marriage had any chance of success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Today’s tycoons learn a lesson from history — public esteem for rich entrepreneurs inevitably sours, columnist Michael Hiltzik argues. — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 El-Sayed shared the room with some party figures who have sharply opposed him, and who the state’s Jewish Democrats hold in high esteem. — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

Both had esteemed lives off the track, as well. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026 Kokin was a name repeated often throughout the event, as was esteemed Upper East Side milliner Suzanne, who was also in attendance. — Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for esteem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem

Noun

There’s also a substantial Spanish-language component to the anniversary set, reflecting Beyoncé’s longstanding admiration for Latin music and the artists and cultures that have shaped it.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2026
Mostly, the 29-year-old veteran and 21-year-old rookie are forming one heck of a mutual admiration society.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of admiration

Verb

Facing inflation on multiple fronts, market expectations regarding the ECB, the Fed, and the Bank of England have diverged significantly.

— , CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
Despite all the resources dedicated to combat terror, the question regarding the likelihood of another 9/11 style attack, just like Pachtman vividly remembers 25 years ago, remains.

— Mark Morales, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of regard

Verb

Yet, he was announced as the player of the match in the stadium, is adored and respected by fans and coaches alike at Bournemouth, and his qualities will inevitably bring external transfer interest.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Thailand's economy is heavily dependent on tourism, but also has implemented new measures to ensure visitors respect the country's norms.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of respect

Verb

Carlsson doesn’t think about his impact much, but his colleagues and contemporaries sure do.

— Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
A couple of decades ago, films about Musk and Holmes probably would have framed the pair as forward-thinking entrepreneurs and architects of a new era.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of think

Noun

But somewhere along the way, consistency became sameness, and people don’t experience work or appreciation in the same way.

— Candy Fernandez, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
But as a New York TV fixture since 1989, Burkett still feels the appreciation from viewers for his efforts.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of appreciation

Verb

If Caballero continues struggling, the Yankees have to at least consider whether Volpe can fill a utility role.

— Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
And considering power, price, and popularity, the PlayStation 5 (whether base, all-digital, or Pro) is the best option for most gamers.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of consider

Verb

Paris is admired worldwide for aesthetic beauty, but the city kept hitting the news for another reason in recent months as record-breaking highs climbed beyond 40 C (104 F) on the roasting streets.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026
Stidham has always admired Webb’s obsession with the success of others, from teammates to fellow coaches.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of admire

Verb

Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Monday in a post on X that the Polish army recovered what was believed to be a Russian military drone from the Baltic Sea near the coastal village of Jaroslawiec.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
Many believe that the reason the good opportunities have seemingly disappeared is because the market is too crowded.

— Justin Donald, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of believe

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estate taxes

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“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of esteem

noun

verb

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