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esteem

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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
Family photos play an important role in boosting children's self esteem. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 These are deep, dark legacy stories that hold the greatest esteem in our culture, so there’s great fodder in it. Selome Hailu, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
The emblem is traditionally fixed to official State documents to indicate royal approval and is esteemed as a symbol of sovereign authority. Janine Henni, People.com, 10 May 2025 Please, esteemed researchers of the American collegiate system, do not attempt to come between daytime TV icon Kelly Ripa and her climate of choice! Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
Noun
  • Bad Bunny expressed his respect and admiration for Moreno.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Jeffries, who previously deflected questions about Mamdani, has expressed admiration for the candidate’s affordability agenda and concern over his rhetoric and policy execution.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Anyone with information regarding this incident was urged to contact the Chandler Police Department at 480-782-4130.
    Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Its remarkable age provides unprecedented evidence regarding ancient Scythian culture.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Flags on government buildings will be flown at half-mast for 30 days, and, according to NDTV World News, visitors to the country are also asked to respect the mourning period with their dress and behavior.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office urged the public to respect the privacy of the hostages' families.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And if your gifts are on the heavier side, think homemade treats, books, or candles; flat-rate boxes can be your best friend since the price stays the same no matter how far the package travels.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • As gutting as that was, the team received uplifting news on each player Monday indicating that neither injury was as serious as initially thought.
    Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Lewis, a tight end at Wisconsin from 2004-07, traces his appreciation for rivalries to his Big Ten roots.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Despite a modest catalog in size — only three albums in 30 years — D’Angelo, born Michael Archer, established himself as a pillar of the 1990s neo-soul music scene through large appreciation for the quality of his work.
    Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To stake his claim to be considered for a F1 seat at any team, the 20-year-old would increase his odds by bagging the F2 title.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Travelers to Europe should consider a phone crossbody purse instead, like this compact but spacious one from Amazon.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Someone remembers him admiring her dachshunds.
    Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • While no longer a school after its closure in 1992, lovers of the film can still admire the property's exterior.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With McCarthy, who many believe has an incredibly high NFL ceiling, the Vikings don’t know what to expect on a week-to-week basis — and there’s lots of room for growth.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Others believe a different origin story.
    Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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