esteem 1 of 2

noun

i-ˈstēm How to pronounce esteem (audio)
Definition of esteemnext
as in admiration
a feeling of great approval and liking an athlete who is held in great esteem by her peers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

esteem

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to regard
to think of in a particular way I had esteemed the whole affair to be a colossal waste of time

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to respect
to think very highly or favorably of although the works of the Impressionist painters are esteemed today, they met with scorn when they were introduced

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to think
to have as an opinion I should have esteemed it most unlikely that their marriage had any chance of success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Grade was less well known than the Nobel Prize laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer, but was held in greater esteem in some literary quarters. —Joseph Berger, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 In 2021, Democrats held Congress in higher esteem for a moment, when their party controlled everything. —Annie Karni, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
Coaches who win as frequently as Sirianni are esteemed. —Rob Maaddi, Orlando Sentinel, 29 Dec. 2024 Adolfo is esteemed as one of the best polo players of all time, while his 17-year-old son is an emerging talent. —Janine Henni, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
  1. admiration
  2. regard
  3. respect
  4. think
  5. appreciation
  6. consider
  7. admire
  8. believe
Noun
  • Trump, in his first term, expressed a modicum of admiration while visiting what is affectionately called the Black Smithsonian.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The matching tattoos aren't just a stamp of admiration for the number.
    — Caché McClay, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of admiration
Verb
  • Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Presidents are required to follow the direction of Congress regarding the powers of the purse.
    — Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of regard
Verb
  • That’s not what’s happening here; these are heavy-handed slashings by a man who fundamentally does not understand or respect the functions of the agencies under his stewardship.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Surely that must shock and horrify all those who respect democracy and the rule of law.
    — Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of respect
Verb
  • Loch Ness, the infamous freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands, has long been thought to be the home of an indescribable creature.
    — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Anyone who didn’t know better might have thought that Strong was actually the veteran of the pair, unfazed by the fanfare and the promise of a national semifinal matchup with UCLA in Tampa, Fla., on Friday.
    — Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of think
Noun
  • Taking into account dividends and investment appreciation over time, Forbes estimates Prenosil has at least $280 million in wealth outside her Dick’s stock.
    — Jemima McEvoy, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • At a fan convention in Los Angeles in 2017, North expressed his appreciation for fans of Dennis the Menace.
    — Raven Brunner, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of appreciation
Verb
  • The dispute ended up before the Supreme Court, and Chief Justice John Roberts put that deadline on hold to allow the high court more time to consider the matter.
    — Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Legal representatives for Nelly urged the judge presiding over the case to consider delaying the dismissal and holding St. Lunatics accountable for the legal charges incurred.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of consider
Verb
  • On the one hand, such tactical flexibility is to be admired as Potter looks to implement a style of play that is grounded in the same principles, irrespective of his system or personnel.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Audi can make your 2010s niche racing dreams come true, in other words, which is probably a better way to spend the money burning a hole in your pocket than buying yet another supercar that will sit in a garage to be admired.
    — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of admire
Verb
  • Matthieu Humair, chief executive officer of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, which organizes the annual event, believes there is safety — and strength — in numbers.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Howard’s agent, Charles Briscoe, had conspired with Darden, which gave Howard more of a reason to believe the transactions were legitimate.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of believe

Browse Nearby Words

estate taxes
esteem
esteemed
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Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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