respect 1 of 2

1
as in regard
relation to or concern with something specified with respect to your application

Synonyms & Similar Words

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respect

2 of 2

verb

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

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 respect
Noun
Pope Francis' tomb opens to visitors at Rome's St. Mary Major Basilica The tomb of Pope Francis was opened to visitors at St. Mary Major Basilica, where Catholic faithful lined up to pay their respects a day after world leaders and hundreds of thousands attended the late pontiff's funeral. Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Well, one answer might simply have been: India’s reporting system is better than ours in several respects. Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
Defenses are going to have to respect his size advantage, which could lead to double teams, which would open up lanes for Legette and Adam Thielen underneath. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025 Their voices are respected and their opinions reliable. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for respect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respect
Noun
  • With regard to military aircraft and civilian transport, faster is generally better, and governments and wealthy individuals are prepared to pay for it.
    Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The Panthers could view him as competition, and a potential successor, for Blackshear in that regard.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Her admiration for the next generation of women came to the fore recently, when Crow performed at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for an all-star network special celebrating Ringo Starr’s new country album.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025
  • This pick doesn’t feel like a home run, despite the internet draft community’s admiration.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This renowned event transforms the charming coastal town into a haven for classic car aficionados, drawing thousands of visitors to admire an impressive array of vintage vehicles against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
    Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • There are plenty of reasons to admire the Elan, not least of all its beauty.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Give it up for the queen of not being afraid to reference or not reference (but mostly reference).
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The letter made no reference to the current economic conditions.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • When Cyclists Made Up an Entire Political Bloc Erin Blakemore August 26, 2018 The League of American Wheelmen was originally intended to spread bicycle appreciation.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Home value appreciation in 40513 was on par with the No. 2 most expensive ZIP code: 41.7% over five years, from $383,166 in March 2020 to $542,888 in March 2025.
    Andrew DePietro, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While urbanites gaze at Jaffe’s monumental canvas, naturalists may appreciate Reyes with Leon Tovar Gallery (Stand 366).
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • With easy access to the River Thames, Battersea Park, and the fashionable boutiques and restaurants of Chelsea’s King’s Road and Sloane Square, residents will appreciate the quality of their home amidst the lively city atmosphere.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While consumer advocacy groups and some tax experts have praised Direct File for creating a free pathway for some taxpayers to file their returns, the service hasn't earned universal praise.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Multiple derms sang this serum’s praises, pointing to its hyaluronic acid base.
    Rebecca Shinners, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The post didn’t come with shade, a backhanded compliment, or some cryptic message.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me?
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Respect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respect. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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