esteem 1 of 2

Definition of esteemnext

esteem

2 of 2

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
That’s been reflected throughout this season, when the esteem shown for Kopitar has transcended geographical and generational boundaries. Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026 When is performance worthy of esteem? Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Amish belief system privileges the notion that when individuals highly esteem certain innovations, religious purity may erode. Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026 But aren’t prophets esteemed precisely for their willingness to tell difficult truths to the people of God? Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
Noun
  • Bell and Ford earned admiration for their entrepreneurial acumen and foresight.
    Olivier Sylvain, Fortune, 16 May 2026
  • Bennahmias has long been vocal about his admiration for Swatch and has publicly praised the MoonSwatch for making high-end watchmaking feel accessible and fun.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Local election officials across Missouri, including those in Clay and Platte counties, received official notice Thursday afternoon to move forward with the state’s new, gerrymandered congressional map despite ongoing questions regarding a referendum petition against it.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
  • Under Bovo’s administration, the department also underwent a transition after the ublic Works director at the time, Armando Vidal—widely regarded as a de facto city manager and one of the most influential figures in the administration—retired in 2023.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
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
Verb
  • If there are Porthilly oysters on the menu don’t even think about ordering another starter.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Returning last summer, I was reminded of the incredible detail and thought put into every element of the park.
    Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Modern presidents from Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama to Joe Biden spoke to the Jewish community in the language of protection, inclusion, and appreciation for the contributions Jews have made to American life.
    Ari Berman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
  • This strategy allows investors to collect premium income while retaining a window for capital appreciation, a necessary feature when a stock exhibits the fundamental and technical strength currently seen in XOM.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Maybe more importantly, he was considered one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this class, which gives him a better chance to contribute early with a QB who expects precision and professionalism.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Bartholomew Street — in recent years considered the spine of an arts and innovation district — leads to the successful Parkville Market and Real Art Ways, the contemporary arts center now in the midst of a $24 million expansion.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • In an inversion of the more common critical reception of an emerging artist, this new writer’s poetry was often noticed but seldom admired, notwithstanding the Daily Mirror’s snide enthusiasm.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • From island hopping along the always-sunny Maldives and admiring pink sands in the Bahamas, to coconut mangrove-trekking in the Philippines and biking past pineapple fields in French Polynesia, tropical charm manifests in an array of ways.
    Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Now might not seem the moment for Democrats to be quarrelling, but many of them believe that the only way to build the Party back up is to remake it.
    Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt told 6 ABC that investigators believe a group of friends, who included two boys and two girls, were hanging out at the home when the fatal shooting occurred.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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