Synonyms of respect

respect 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈspekt 

1

as in regard

relation to or concern with something specified

with respect to your application

Synonyms & Similar Words

• regard
• reference

2

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

3

as in regards

respects plural best wishes

give your mother my respects

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insult
• jibe
• 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
• set store on
• credit
• compliment
• acclaim
• approve
• relish
• adore
• favor
• savour
• set store by
• drink (in)
• savor
• delight (in)
• revel (in)
• idolize
• worship
• cherish
• groove (on)
• fancy
• dote (on)
• treasure
• accredit
• prize
• dig
• hallow
• adulate
• deify
• canonize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• despise
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• disregard
• dislike
• disdain
• dismiss
• scorn
• disapprove
• condemn
• discount
• deplore
• abominate
• 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

People were welcoming to me and there was mutual respect. —Peter White, Deadline, 13 June 2025

Those in positions of influence and authority should speak about people with the respect owed human beings simply because we are all created in the image of God. —Nicholas Dimarzio, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025

Verb

Donatelli, the former head of the Delta Air Line Pilots Association, also respects the pope’s nod to workers in the selection of his name. —Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025

Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. —Marina Watts, People.com, 13 June 2025

Phrases Containing respect

• in respect to
• with respect to