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

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 Have a marathon and admire the incredible stunt choreography and charismatic leading-man work from Keanu Reeves. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 Tourism picks up Whether arriving from within Chile or overseas, tourists are venturing into the remote, inhospitable areas of the Atacama to admire the millions of flowers adorning vast areas of the desert, stretching from the coast to the horizon. — Nayara Batschke, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 Evans admired her fervor, and the two women became fast friends. — Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026 Ellison is said to genuinely admire Weiss and her vision, which is premised on appealing to a silent majority of Americans who are not far left or far right, and being somewhat contrarian or against the grain. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for admire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for admire

Verb

Washington needs to exercise a restrained and lawful brand of hegemony in the Western Hemisphere, respecting the sovereignty of its neighbors and pursuing mutual gains.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
There’s currently a petition circulating among them urging national leaders to respect their vote to endorse Raman.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of respect

Verb

Apple Turnovers Grandma always appreciated a smart shortcut, and these apple turnovers have that—frozen puff pastry makes the crust on these turnovers quick and easy.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026
Years later, Kancey appreciated cheesesteaks from D’Alessandro’s, a shop known for its amazing bread.

— Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of appreciate

Verb

Created by Sorkin, the beloved NBC series ran from 1999 to 2006 and is widely regarded as one of the best TV shows of all time.

— Ellise Shafer, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
The conflicting signals have complicated the expectations game regarding the Federal Reserve's next move.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of regard

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admirations

admire

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“Admire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admire. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of admire

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