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
Individuals who fall into this category may be a fan of outward displays of wealth and see them as a way to gain respect, according to Klontz’ framework. Rachel Barber, USA Today, 21 May 2025 Fitzgerald shows disdain and little respect for the wealthy across much of his writing. Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Verb
Design must respect identity The most natural transplants aren’t necessarily the most dramatic. Ascend Agency, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025 In the past, India prided itself on being a responsible power that respected human rights and international law—an island of stability in a volatile region. Vaibhav Vats, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for respect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respect
Noun
  • Importantly, a dog’s wants and needs do not always align with what their owners expect, and this is a crucial point in regards to animal welfare.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
  • My question is in regard to the remaining four starters.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • But Waltz also advocated for further diplomatically isolating President Vladimir Putin — a position that was out of step with Trump, who has viewed the Russian leader, at moments, with admiration for his cunning in dealings with Trump’s predecessors.
    Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
  • Gifford expressed her admiration for Cody, who spearheaded a remodel of his family home.
    Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Many folks have visited New Orleans and admired the ornate French Colonial architecture on display.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
  • You’re admired due to the fact that the Sun is casting you in a flattering spotlight.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • For reference, a brand new iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at 7,999 yuan in China.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 23 May 2025
  • Bonus points are available for a reference to their native Bay Area.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • She’s been a front row guest at Balenciaga, Chloé and Rabanne during Paris Fashion Week, and her appreciation of fashion is growing.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
  • Gordon noted an appreciation for the architecture of the building, including nods to the elevated tracks and trains that previously ran through the area.
    Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • There’s not a day that goes by that Miguel, a first-year PhD student from Spain, doesn’t appreciate his experience as an international student at Harvard University.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 May 2025
  • Shepperson said his brother B.J. loved horses and would have really appreciated what this program is doing to help other veterans.
    Kennedy Hayes, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Cosby is a gifted novelist whose passionate writing about the modern South has garnered him much critical praise and the admiration of President Obama.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
  • Cardi has been dropping hints about her new man and singing his praises over the past few months.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • But pre-premiere compliments were definitely present.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
  • The warm body language and free-flowing mutual compliments signified a stark difference in tone from visits to the country by officials from the Biden administration, which were peppered with tension.
    Natasha Turak, CNBC, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Respect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respect. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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