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esteem

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verb

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
Prior to that alteration of Russian historical memory, only one other Russian head of state had held Ivan in such high esteem: Josef Stalin. Dina Khapaeva, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2025 Unfortunately missing from Roberts’ report, though, is any introspective consideration of how the Supreme Court has contributed to the current state of our democracy and the extremely low esteem in which the Court itself is now held by many members of the public. Michael Dell, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
Still Irish Whiskey is a unique collaboration between two historic Irish families: the Mitchells, renowned Dublin wine and whiskey merchants, and the Bartons, esteemed Bordeaux winemakers of Château Léoville Barton. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Even the most prominent and highly-esteemed careers have to reach the end. Shane Young, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for esteem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esteem
Noun
  • Kody shared with Robyn, 46, and his children the origins of his name, which was inspired by his father's admiration for Buffalo Bill, a.k.a.
    Dory Jackson, People.com, 12 May 2025
  • And the moment instantly sparked playful reactions and admiration across the internet.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • But a pope from the nation was regarded as unthinkable given America’s power on the world stage.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • No other information, regarding possible injuries or cause of the fire, was immediately available. .
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The United States is a place where property rights should by default be respected and protected.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 May 2025
  • Both countries largely respected the line of control as a de facto boundary for military operations until the 2019 crisis.
    Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Deborah is thinking of Ava but can’t bring herself to say it.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 9 May 2025
  • However, the Motor City isn't the hub that many thought would be added to TGL.
    Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Serving as missionaries in the South American country gave them both a special appreciation for their faith, according to Turley.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • These strategic investments can lead to higher rental rates and property appreciation, directly benefiting the investor's bottom line.​ • Risk Management: Identifying, assessing and mitigating risks associated with the property and market fluctuations is a critical function.
    Jesse Sasomsup, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • These myths persist because the industry is still evolving, and many brands are learning to measure beyond what experts now consider to be superficial metrics, like likes or follows.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • Other provisions of the letter included that Harvard ban all DEI policies, or at least those that consider gender, race, ability, age, socioeconomic status, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, or nationality.
    Charlotte Y. Levy, Rolling Stone, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Crystal Palace’s Guehi remains admired at centre-back and Burnley’s James Trafford has long been a goalkeeper target.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 May 2025
  • This beautifully crafted tribute book makes a heartfelt gift for anyone who admired Pope Francis or was touched by his message.
    Gene Myers, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • It’s revealed that Emily’s triplet, Charity, who is believed to have died during childbirth, is on a murder spree, killing Dante — as well as Emily’s ex-husband, Sean.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
  • That person is believed to have started shooting, which prompted return fire from others, Cantu said.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esteem. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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