esteem 1 of 2

Definition of esteemnext

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
Reviews were spirited and mixed (Pauline Kael’s ultimately positive one is worth the read) but the film has grown in general esteem ever since. Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 Doucet, who has had a long career as a respected media personality, echoed that sentiment and noted that there were small ways in which her abuser chipped at her esteem, such as convincing her that people said negative remarks about her. Miami Herald, 16 May 2026
Verb
The price Preller paid for Miller, an All-Star closer with a triple-digit fastball, further affirmed that, compared with most ball clubs, the Padres esteem a ballplayer’s present value more than his future value. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026 Money, values, and esteem issues are illuminated when the sun meets up with Chiron. Usa Today, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
Noun
  • The consequences are admiration, trust and loyalty—earned, not commanded.
    Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Lan traced his instinct toward stories rooted in place and personal memory to his admiration for Taiwan filmmaker Hou Hsiao-hsien.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • After their convincing wins over Paraguay and Australia that sent them on to the knockout rounds, however, many are starting to readjust their expectations regarding the ceiling of this squad.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
  • The visit is part of Islamabad’s ongoing efforts regarding Iranian-US negotiations, Tasnim reported.
    Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Baelor Targaryen Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) — often called Baelor Breakspear — is a noble and widely respected Targaryen prince known for his honor, leadership and skill in battle.
    Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
  • Watts teaches clients how to fish, respect the lake, to understand seasons, patterns and the importance of stewardship.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Iran is thought to have 972 pounds of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, according to the IAEA.
    Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • In the top of the first inning, Rangers catcher Elias Diaz pointed at first base thinking there would be a first-base umpire, when the umpire was in the middle of the diamond.
    Cal Phillips June 19, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • At a time when the United States has tense relationships with many of its overseas allies, international tourists' appreciation of American culture offers a counterpoint to the animosity between politicians.
    Ava Berger, NPR, 19 June 2026
  • Furthermore, modeling vulnerability and continuous learning builds trust, while honoring small, often unseen acts of appreciation fosters connection.
    Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down and could announce a timetable for his departure as early as Monday, according to a report published Saturday.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
  • Rigid gendered rules mean only those born to Parsi fathers are considered part of the community.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • McKay admired how Greenberg, who has devoted his life to drawing attention to the climate crisis, has used every platform at his disposal to magnify the stakes of global warming.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 15 June 2026
  • The video’s props, which were primarily designed using cardboard and felt, were displayed in glass cases for visitors to admire.
    Katie Simons, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Zoroastrianism’s core tenets – a single God, the cosmic struggle between good and evil – are widely believed by historians to have formed the theological groundwork for the major Abrahamic religions.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • Authorities believe the fire was caused by a lightning strike.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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