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
On the contrary, all the girls held him in the highest esteem and had nothing but the greatest admiration for him. Larry David, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025 Now as a mom herself, Holliday worries how social media could exacerbate bullying and self esteem issues. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 27 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
  • Students who attended the campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday described a mix of admiration for America’s tradition of free speech and horror at how quickly violence shattered it.
    Julia Bonavita , Stepheny Price , Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In March, Newsom sat down with Kirk for a lengthy interview in which, despite their obvious political differences, the governor expressed admiration for the commentator's political prowess and success.
    Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 33-year-old is very well regarded in coaching circles.
    Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
  • At that time, Iryna Deriugina, President of the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation, told me that the UGF would await action from the FIG regarding the Russian and Belarusian inclusion at the Paris competition.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Establish a joint steering group that synchronises direction while respecting domain expertise.
    Maman Ibrahim, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Of course, the senators need to actually respect standards of economic expertise and integrity, but so far this has largely worked out in the history of the Fed — with both presidents and senators doing so.
    James B. Speta, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan architect who spent forty-three years working on the Sagrada Família, did not think that his work should compete with God’s, so the basilica will remain a few feet lower than the iconic peak of Montjuïc.
    D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Pür’s multitasking powder is infused with a host of skincare-grade ingredients to help blur and minimize texture—think retinol, lactic acid, and antioxidants.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Language contains appreciation, perspective, and possibility.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Since the 2010s, however, his photographs have started to appear with greater frequency and impact in small exhibitions throughout the Pacific Northwest, earning Matsura an ever-widening circle of admiration and appreciation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Technical reliability is a make-or-break factor when considering industrial integration.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The will also states that priority should be given to luxury giant LVMH, L'Oreal, EssilorLuxottica or other groups, Reuters reported, adding that heirs should consider other fashion and luxury companies with which Armani's company has commercial ties for a sale.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That imperfection doesn’t disqualify you from being admired.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Along with users telling her to appreciate every second, others took a moment to admire the pure joy radiating from Luna and her family.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lerner believes that without smarter management, enterprises will face spiraling bills and strained infrastructure.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The governor said that the suspect is believed to have acted alone.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 18 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!