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esteem

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb esteem contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of esteem are admire, regard, and respect. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

When is admire a more appropriate choice than esteem?

The words admire and esteem can be used in similar contexts, but admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When is it sensible to use regard instead of esteem?

Although the words regard and esteem have much in common, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

Where would respect be a reasonable alternative to esteem?

In some situations, the words respect and esteem are roughly equivalent. However, 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 esteem
Noun
Scientists held tracking in high esteem well into the 20th century. Ben Goldfarb, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 Brissett is held with high esteem in the Browns’ building for his stint in 2022. Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
Adolfo is esteemed as one of the best polo players of all time, while his 17-year-old son is an emerging talent. Janine Henni, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 In the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, esteemed restaurateur Hakki Akdeniz of Champion Pizza and Elia on the River has opened Wabi Nori, a high-end sushi and hand roll bar. William Mullane, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
Noun
  • Trump and Zelenskyy spoke politely, even with admiration, of each other for the first half hour of the meeting.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, arkansasonline.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Portman has previously spoken of her admiration for Dunham as a filmmaker and how she was inspired by her after seeing Tiny Furniture.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The case centered on Ofcom’s March 2024 decisions regarding two broadcasts from May and June 2023.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Among his focuses are providing additional training to teachers, specifically regarding disciplinary action and its impact on instruction; bridging gaps between schools, teachers and parents through community engagement; and creating an endowment to strengthen the district’s long-term finances.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • And influencers now respect the trust of their audience.
    Zoya Hasan, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • All those guys need to be respected as far as winning games also.
    Chantz Martin, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Freedom girls head coach Mike Bush thought Clermont’s 2024 finish led to Saturday’s win.
    Steve Gorches, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
  • At first, paramedics thought the dog wanted to play.
    Rick Jervis, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The ability to convey gratitude and appreciation in just a few words can resonate — proving that brevity can be just as powerful as eloquence.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • That means handing out praise liberally and finding ways to show your appreciation for them and make their day a little brighter.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The multi-year security Marchand wanted beyond this season, then, was too much for Sweeney to assume considering the risk of injuries and decline.
    Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Senior State Department officials have also drawn up plans to close a dozen consulates overseas by this summer and are considering shutting down many more missions, in what could be a blow to the U.S. government's efforts to build partnerships and gather intelligence, U.S. officials say.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Visitors can explore the maze of islands by kayak or longtail boats, ducking into hidden caves and secret lagoons and hopping in the shallow water to admire its colorful coral reefs.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The Russian intelligentsia had once admired Ukraine, seeing in it the birthplace of the Muscovite dynasty and Orthodoxy.
    James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Venable believes the prospects gained experiences that will aid them and the club in the future.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Authorities do not believe that Thompson was present when John Blauvelt murdered Cati Blauvelt.
    James Stolz, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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