admire

verb

əd-ˈmī(-ə)r How to pronounce admire (audio)
Definition of admirenext
as in to respect
to think very highly or favorably of I admire the way you handled such a touchy situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 In warmer weather, admire the beautiful landscape along hiking trails and visit the namesake 57-foot Blackwater Falls, which can be reached by stairs that offer views at various stops on the way up. — Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025 Before going out at night, arm yourself with a flashlight because your neighborhood coyotes, bobcats, and foxes might want to admire your moonlight landscape, too. — Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 Inside the venue, Hoshi admired Ghesquière’s designs that balanced the tough with the sweet. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025 As a bonus, your neighbors will enjoy admiring this setup from across the way too. — Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for admire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admire
  1. respect
  2. appreciate
  3. regard
Verb
  • To proactively give up, to consistently surrender one’s cards, is not to respect the game.
    — Harvey Young, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
  • University World News highlights the need for universities to ensure that their cross-border programs maintain high educational standards, all while respecting and adapting to the local cultural and academic context.
    — Maja Zelihic, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of respect
Verb
  • Climbers will appreciate the sandstone cliffs and rock formations—a rarity in the state.
    — Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Plenty of Idaho ramen fans probably would appreciate that.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of appreciate
Verb
  • Comments Each week, Deal or No Deal Island host, game master, and executive producer Joe Manganiello will weigh in with Entertainment Weekly regarding the latest events on the Banker's Island.
    — Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Montenegro submitted himself to the confidence vote after he was accused of a potential conflict of interest regarding a family law firm.
    — Helena Alves and Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of regard

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Cite this Entry

“Admire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admire. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of admire for Spanish Speakers

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