ADMIRE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'admire' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of admire are esteem , regard , and respect . While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection. // a friend that I truly admire

Q: When can 'esteem' be used instead of 'admire'?

The words esteem and admire are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation. // no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

Q: Where would 'regard' be a reasonable alternative to 'admire'?

While in some cases nearly identical to admire , regard is a general term that is usually qualified. // he is highly regarded in the profession

Q: When is 'respect' a more appropriate choice than 'admire'?

While the synonyms respect and admire are close in meaning, respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation. // after many years they came to respect her views

admire

verb

əd-ˈmī(-ə)r

Definition of admire next

as in to respect

to think very highly or favorably of I admire the way you handled such a touchy situation

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How does the verb admire contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of admire are esteem, regard, and respect. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When can esteem be used instead of admire?

The words esteem and admire are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

Where would regard be a reasonable alternative to admire?

While in some cases nearly identical to admire, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

When is respect a more appropriate choice than admire?

While the synonyms respect and admire are close in meaning, respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

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 admire There surely is something to admire in Anthropic’s decision to hold the line against the Defense Department. —

Olivier Sylvain, Fortune, 16 May 2026 Garden diplomacy At their last meeting on Friday the two leaders toured the gardens at Zhongnanhai, with Trump admiring the roses. —

Jennifer Pak, NPR, 15 May 2026 People Acting Like Others When the TV series Star Trek initially gained popularity, a segment of the populace admired the tenor and nature of the Spock character. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Alexa King, the sculptor who created the magnificent art, will sometimes visit the site and sit quietly while people admire it. —

Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for admire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for admire

Verb

Language access, cultural competency and workforce representation all play critical role in helping people feel respected, heard and supported throughout the healing journey.

— Maria Bledsoe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
As always, the Diocese will continue its full cooperation with law enforcement and respects the legal process now underway.

— Patrick Damp, CBS News, 16 May 2026

Definition of respect

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“Admire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admire. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of admire

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