respect 1 of 2

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2
as in regard
relation to or concern with something specified with respect to your application

Synonyms & Similar Words

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respect

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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
In this respect, the backing that Hamas received from the mullahs of Tehran aligned with Netanyahu’s security policy—a fact that the pro-Palestine voices expressing solidarity with Iran might do well to reflect on. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025 Think of something in this respect like a better passing Bogdan Bogdanovic. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025
Verb
Ovens said Kevin will sometimes tease Lucie for fun, but the dog is generally good at respecting her space. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 Americans of all political stripes want leaders to respect the Constitution and uphold democratic rules — but differ dramatically on who is breaking them and why. Kristina Becvar, Twin Cities, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for respect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respect
Noun
  • TikTok users couldn't get enough of the wholesome moment, flooding the comments with admiration—and relatable stories.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
  • Noting that Cyrus had traveled with the family on vacation, The Terminator star reiterated his admiration for the musician.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Note in this regard the long-standing position of NACD is that a positive workforce culture is a significant corporate asset.
    Michael Peregrine, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The changes come under pressure from the European Commission with regard to compliance with the Digital Markets Act, or DMA.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The reaction online to the viral clip has been mixed—confused for some, admiring for others.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • This is rare among American art museums and reinforces a commitment to RISD students and other creatives who want to learn from the pieces, not simply admire them.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • That’s because stock is only taxed when it’s sold, and not on its appreciation in value; activists like the protesters in Venice this week want that to change.
    Phoebe Liu, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Montano expressed appreciation for $5 million worth of federal grants that will be used to improve local intersections and school zones.
    Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • That’s less of a reference to the tour de force singer and songwriter’s 2019 live album and documentary concert film of the same name, but more a nod to true-to-life, Lone Star State homecoming traditions.
    Amber Elliott, Vogue, 30 June 2025
  • While stablecoins have emerged as crypto’s dominant payment mechanism, a subtler shift may be underway: the emergence of Bitcoin not just as a store of value, but as a reference benchmark, a unit of account for global assets and financial flows.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • But more importantly thank you for taking the time to appreciate the little things.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
  • For a band that broke up under a cloud of bitterness, Talking Heads still appreciate a good celebration.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • While Monster Hunter Wilds received a lot of praise at launch, the longer-term fortunes of the game four months later have been dismal.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Pahlavi has voiced support for Israel’s actions, drawing praise from some in the Iranian diaspora and accusations of betrayal from many others.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • This is not the first time Kaye has taken something intended as a compliment as ultimately patronizing, if not demeaning.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 18 June 2025
  • The compliment made the teen visibly light up on stage.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Respect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respect. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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