Synonyms of esteem

esteem 1 of 2

noun

i-ˈstēm 

as in admiration

a feeling of great approval and liking

an athlete who is held in great esteem by her peers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• admiration
• respect
• appreciation
• regard
• praise
• adoration
• reverence
• estimation
• affection
• favor
• interest
• enthusiasm
• love
• honor
• approbation
• veneration
• deference
• fondness
• enjoyment
• worship
• account
• adulation
• taste
• infatuation
• partiality
• preference
• appetite
• relish
• acclamation
• use
• homage
• awe
• delight
• idolatry
• like
• amazement
• wonderment
• shine
• wonder
• fancy
• prejudice
• props
• devotion
• hero worship
• bias
• lionization
• attachment
• passion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• condemnation
• disdain
• contempt
• scorn
• disapproval
• indignation
• disappointment
• discontent
• disgust
• unhappiness
• disfavor
• disregard
• hatred
• disillusionment
• displeasure
• distaste
• dislike
• disenchantment
• aversion
• opprobrium
• loathing
• hate
• revulsion
• nausea
• repulsion
• repugnance
• disinclination
• disfavor
• dissatisfaction
• antipathy
• disgruntlement
• abomination
• disliking
• detestation
• deprecation

esteem

2 of 2

verb

1

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

• regard
• consider
• call
• count
• view
• look (on or upon)
• believe
• feel
• account
• hold
• think
• rate
• set down
• take for
• deem
• reckon
• imagine
• sense
• conceive
• fancy

2

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

• respect
• admire
• regard
• appreciate
• praise
• love
• like
• reverence
• commend
• venerate
• value
• consider
• revere
• enjoy
• acclaim
• credit
• compliment
• applaud
• approve
• relish
• favor
• adore
• set store by
• drink (in)
• delight (in)
• revel (in)
• worship
• savor
• treasure
• cherish
• fancy
• accredit
• prize
• idolize
• dote (on)
• adulate
• groove (on)
• dig
• hallow
• canonize
• deify

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• despise
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• scorn
• disdain
• dismiss
• dislike
• disregard
• abominate
• discount
• disapprove
• execrate
• condemn
• deplore
• frown (on or upon)
• decry
• discountenance
• vilify
• disfavor
• kiss off

3

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

• think
• believe
• guess
• consider
• feel
• figure
• imagine
• deem
• suppose
• judge
• hold
• perceive
• conceive
• regard
• reckon
• trust
• assume
• accept
• allow
• depend
• view
• presume
• rely
• conclude
• surmise
• infer
• presuppose
• deduce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• doubt
• suspect
• question
• distrust
• mistrust
• reject
• discredit
• disbelieve

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

Recent Examples of esteem

Noun

To Villa’s credit, manager Unai Emery and other staff held Rogers in high esteem. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

For her part, Fonda has also held her beloved friend in high esteem since meeting her on the set of Monster-in-Law 20 years ago. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026

Verb

The most successful merchandisers are those who esteem creativity, speak a designer’s language, and can build the right structure so that the designer’s artistic vision will shine. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 2025

While the money and comfort can come from Notre Dame, the school can't offer the same level of notoriety and esteem that comes with being a successful NFL coach, a reality that Bevacqua is well prepared for. —Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025