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

For instance, the late Senator’s family has invited the public to pay their respects during the procession leading Graham’s remains to the South Carolina State House, as well as to attend the funeral service at First Baptist Church of Columbia. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 22 July 2026

Ask for a map at the gate to find the graves and pay your respects. — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2026

Verb

This kind of consistent follow-through helps children learn what is expected of them, while still respecting their growing independence. — Lindsay Barnhart, The Conversation, 21 July 2026

None of those guys could ever be accused of advocating for liberal democracy or respecting the dignity of others. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026

Phrases Containing respect

• in respect to
• with respect to