Synonyms of respect

respect 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈspekt 

1

as in admiration

a feeling of great approval and liking

I have a lot of respect for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s steadfast courage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in regard

relation to or concern with something specified

with respect to your application

Synonyms & Similar Words

• regard
• reference

3

as in regards

respects plural best wishes

give your mother my respects

Synonyms & Similar Words

• regards
• greetings
• praise
• compliment
• congratulations
• approval
• blessing
• commendations
• felicitations
• acknowledgment
• endorsement
• flattery
• adulation
• commendation
• benediction
• citation
• well-wishing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insult
• taunt
• dig
• gibe
• put-down

respect

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈspekt 

as in to admire

to think very highly or favorably of

an upstanding senator who is respected by political allies and foes alike

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb respect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of respect are admire, esteem, and regard. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

When can admire be used instead of respect?

While in some cases nearly identical to respect, admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When could esteem be used to replace respect?

The words esteem and respect can be used in similar contexts, but esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

When might regard be a better fit than respect?

The words regard and respect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of respect

Noun

Soon after, more people gathered, standing behind the sad but necessary fence enclosing the resilient tree, out of respect, curiosity or simple gawking. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026

In a saner world, our legislators would have greater respect for the people of Maryland. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2026

Verb

Something more than reliable, worth more than a rookie contract, respected more than a Pro Bowler with a sack total. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

The idea of enough is alien to capitalism, which respects no limit. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing respect

• in respect to
• with respect to