respect 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈspekt How to pronounce respect (audio)
Definition of respectnext
1
as in admiration
a feeling of great approval and liking I have a lot of respect for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s steadfast courage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in regard
relation to or concern with something specified with respect to your application

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3
as in regards
respects plural best wishes give your mother my respects

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respect

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈspekt How to pronounce respect (audio)
as in to admire
to think very highly or favorably of an upstanding senator who is respected by political allies and foes alike

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb respect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of respect are admire, esteem, and regard. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

When can admire be used instead of respect?

While in some cases nearly identical to respect, admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When could esteem be used to replace respect?

The words esteem and respect can be used in similar contexts, but esteem implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.

no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed

When might regard be a better fit than respect?

The words regard and respect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

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 respect
Noun
In some respects, the Optiq’s cabin represents everything Cadillac is doing well right now. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 2 Sep. 2026 Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further information was released. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
Attackers have never respected those organizational boundaries, and AI certainly will not. — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 To respect constitutional separation of powers and separation of executive authority, dedicated inspectors general would be appointed in the commission to investigate specific executive branches and the legislature. — Collin Corbett, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respect
  1. admiration
  2. regard
  3. regards
  4. admire
  5. appreciation
  6. reference
  7. greetings
  8. appreciate
Noun
  • Sabrina is no Dolly, which isn’t a knock but a comment on the impossibility of any new artist ever enjoying the level of admiration and adoration that Parton did for most of her life.
    — David Kamp, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Rapper Eminem expressed his admiration and sorrow at never getting to meet her.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of admiration
Noun
  • With Adults, being funny is what matters most, and in that regard, this is a very promising premiere.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Judges have shown little regard for NCAA arguments about the competitive harm these decisions will have on current players.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of regard
Noun
  • The plaintiffs argued the ballot language was misleading in several regards.
    — Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Hosting the All-Star Game provides a unique platform to break new ground in both regards.
    — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of regards
Verb
  • The people in it aren’t admiring your career from a distance.
    — Jeanan Yasiri Moe, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • There are many ways to admire the region’s autumnal splendor, from crossing the swinging bridge at Seven Bends State Park to riding the chairlift at Bryce Resort.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of admire
Noun
  • After dealing with the online hate (and appreciation) for months, Gunn’s mental health took a toll.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • His father has a particular appreciation for long-running fantasy leagues.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of appreciation
Noun
  • Looney Tunes reference scribbled in the geographic direction of Hollywood.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Her mannerisms, comedy, music, references and cultural touchstones were influenced by the Black woman playing her.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of reference
Noun
  • In my experience, guests at other Awasis aren't much for mingling, but there are some exceptions among Brazilians, who are more likely to exchange friendly greetings after sharing a boat experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Then, set aside about an hour to configure personal greetings and the IVR menu system.
    — John Brandon, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of greetings
Verb
  • Junior quarterback Aaron McCormack, who is the coach’s son and ran for a touchdown and threw a touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Justin Slaven, is among the teammates who quickly came to appreciate Harris’ talents.
    — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • One shopper appreciated the cushy insoles, while another called out how surprisingly soft the leather feels.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of appreciate

Phrases Containing respect

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resources
respect
respectability
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Cite this Entry

“Respect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respect. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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