respect

Definition of respectnext

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 Choose someone who respects your standards. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026 An Amazon spokesperson told CNBC in a statement that the company respects its colleagues’ right to voice their opinions. Annie Palmer, CNBC, 4 June 2026 The Raos were respected in Oak Grove and elsewhere. Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 4 June 2026 Managers who feel supported, respected, and heard are far more likely to stay, which in turn benefits their community through consistency and institutional knowledge. Niurys Robaina, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for respect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respect
Verb
  • But behind the acclaim lies an ongoing challenge in an industry that prioritizes commerce over creativity, which, Lennon says, drew him to the story of artists he’s known and admired for years.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 June 2026
  • That day also featured a private visit to the Palermo Gallery of Modern Art, which was closed to the public to allow the couple's guests to admire its collections away from photographers and onlookers.
    Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Lisabeth Pérez Castle, the city’s independent monitor, said in a statement that the vague new approach to discipline does not clearly explain how safety officials will comply with city laws regarding the monitor’s oversight.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
  • Kardashian’s ex, Tristan Thompson, sat down for an hour-long interview on her Khloé in Wonderland podcast to leave no stone unturned regarding their former relationship and current co-parenting partnership.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Now Crosswhite can acknowledge the beauty in the art, respect the workers who crafted the carvings, and appreciate the opportunity to tell a story larger than the monument itself.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Above and beyond, make this a period for living in the moment and appreciating the beauty that the universe is offering you.
    Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Respect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respect. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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