REGARD Synonyms: 328 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of regard are admire , esteem , and respect . While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," regard is a general term that is usually qualified. // he is highly regarded in the profession

Q: In what contexts can 'admire' take the place of 'regard'?

The meanings of admire and regard largely overlap; however, admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection. // a friend that I truly admire

Q: When might 'esteem' be a better fit than 'regard'?

The words esteem and regard 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: When can 'respect' be used instead of 'regard'?

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

regard 1 of 2

verb

Definition of regard

as in to notice

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes she regarded him with astonishment when he announced he had gotten engaged

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to note

to take notice of and be guided by as a traveler, you should regard the laws and customs of whatever country you are visiting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to consider

to think of in a particular way I wouldn't regard that offhand comment as a serious threat to your personal safety

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to respect

to think very highly or favorably of an astronomer who is highly regarded by his peers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to anticipate

to give consideration to (as unexpected circumstances or contingencies) the judges regard the amount of effort and energy you put into the project in evaluating it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

regard

2 of 2

noun

ri-ˈgärd

as in respect

a feeling of great approval and liking I have a deep regard for humanitarian aid workers who risk everything to help the poor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in glimpse

an instance of looking especially briefly flashed the young man an imperial regard that clearly indicated such behavior was out of line

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in reference

relation to or concern with something specified with regard to your request for time off, go ahead and take the whole week for vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in greetings

regards plural best wishes give your parents my regards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gaze

a fixed intent look fixed the same magisterial regard on all the miscreants who appeared before her in court

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in look

archaic the outward form of someone or something especially as indicative of a quality Lord Warwick's noble regard and gallant demeanor set the innocent maid's heart aflutter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb regard contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of regard are admire, esteem, and respect. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

In what contexts can admire take the place of regard?

The meanings of admire and regard largely overlap; however, admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When might esteem be a better fit than regard?

The words esteem and regard 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

When can respect be used instead of regard?

While the synonyms respect and regard 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 regard

Verb

The Kremlin regards Ukraine as part of a broader struggle over Europe’s strategic order. — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026 The date of the University Interscholastic League State Executive Committee appellate hearing regarding Hackney’s eligibility is to be determined. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026

Noun

Reports over the past year – in this publication and others – show citizens and local governments redefining concepts of home beyond a roof and walls to offer a sense of belonging, safety, and neighborly regard. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2026 Front offices with wealthier owners would no longer be able to throw the bag at players with no regard for the bottom line (aside from the league’s luxury tax). — Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for regard

Recent Examples of Synonyms for regard

Verb

Be intentional about noticing autumn and Halloween displays on lawns and porches, which seem as popular as ever this year.

— Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
They are focused on inspecting what is known as the Taraia Object, a visual anomaly that has been visible in aerial photos dating back to 1938 but was first noticed in satellite imagery in 2020.

— Lana Zak, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of notice

Verb

Xuan’s attorney, Mitchell Krems, previously noted his client had never been convicted of a crime.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
But the agents deny that claim in the lawsuit, noting that that they were fired without any investigation, notice or hearing.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of note

Verb

Legislators in at least 30 states have considered pricing bills this year, including measures addressing algorithmic and personalized pricing, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Changing expectations or considering proposals without comparable information undermines confidence in both the process and its recommendations.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of consider

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

The Duo could also prove more accessible than some industry watchers had anticipated.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Some strategists, anticipating that the committee may raise flags, now try to get ahead of the process by submitting additional documentation, including filmmaker quotes and source materials, to explain why a film belongs in its intended category.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of anticipate

Noun

Saxberger is wary, but Meyers’s admiration touches something, and soon the older man’s convinced to join a nightly meeting of young aesthetes.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Over time, my envy of Dad eased into a warm — if still grudging — admiration.

— Daniel Duane, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of admiration

Noun

Their art selection is peppered with Alexander Calder mobiles, Ellsworth Kelly canvases, and Gerhard Richter paintings, works that offer plenty of reference material, naturally.

— Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Investigators found antisemitic messages and other items in Horn's car and storage unit, including a journal containing references to Nazism and white supremacy.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of reference

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regard

regarded

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Style

“Regard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regard. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of regard

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noun

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Synonyms of regard

verb

noun

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