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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
That movie has only grown in esteem over time. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025 The Iron Claw A24's 2023 sports drama chronicles the real-life saga of the Von Erich brothers, who body-slammed their way into professional wrestling esteem in the 1980s while shouldering multiple family tragedies and the burden of their father's (Holt McCallany) towering legacy in the ring. Charlotte Walsh, People.com, 1 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
  • Others chimed in with similar admiration.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In conversation, Blunt’s admiration for Johnson is clear, and so is her interest in making sure other people recognize his talents and capabilities.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Gein never did anything of the sort in real life and was regarded as a model patient.
    JR Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Even though Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to give Amorim a full season, and losing to Sunderland was not regarded as terminal, doing so would have brought immense pressure.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Consultations start with an honest evaluation of the donor area, followed by a hairline design that respects facial features and age.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Meta also advises wearers to respect people's privacy and preferences.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The hairs on the back of the neck still stand up now when thinking of the post-match celebrations after David Seaman’s penalty save dumped out Spain in the quarter-finals.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Because nothing lifts your spirits like discovering somebody on the other side of the world who thinks like you — or, even better, sees things in an entirely different way.
    The Dial, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As parents know, this can translate to a boundless appreciation of toys.
    Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
  • And, while their approaches are very different, one thing that Nuno and Postecoglou have in common is an appreciation of a player with versatile qualities.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Front Office Sports reported Friday that Stars ownership is considering a site in Plano, Texas, approximately 20 miles from Dallas.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, this spice is considered to have antiseptic and digestive benefits.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Try the roughly two-mile Hickman Bridge Trail to admire the canyon and walk beneath the 300-foot Hickman Bridge, a natural sandstone arch.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The mountains are awash with vibrant autumnal hues, which can be admired by driving the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, biking the Catskill Scenic Trail, or hiking the many trails with sweeping views of the area.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nearly every poll taken during the past six months has shown that a significant majority of Democrats believe that the United States should stop providing economic and military support for Israel.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Experts believe China’s role in tackling climate change is decisive.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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