You often admire people or things that make you feel happy, proud, or inspired. To admire means to respect or like something deeply. Sometimes, using different words can make your writing or talking more interesting. Here are 16 best synonyms for admire, with easy examples to help you understand and use them well.
1. Appreciate
To appreciate something means to see its value and feel thankful for it. When you appreciate someone, you recognize the good things they do or the effort they make. For example, you can appreciate a friend who helps you or a beautiful painting that makes you feel calm. Saying “I appreciate your kindness” shows you notice and like what someone has done. Appreciating small things in life, like a sunny day or a tasty meal, makes you feel happier. So, appreciating is a simple but powerful way to admire.
2. Respect
Respect means to think highly of someone or something because they deserve it. When you respect a person, you treat them well and listen to their ideas. For example, you respect your teacher because they help you learn. You can also respect a place like a church or a tradition because it is important. Saying “I respect your opinion” shows you value what the other person thinks. Respect is a strong feeling of admiration that makes relationships better and keeps people kind to each other.
3. Like
To like something means to enjoy it or find it good. It is one of the simplest ways to admire. For example, you like a song that makes you smile or a friend who always makes you laugh. When you say, “I like your drawing,” it means you admire the work and think it is nice. Liking can be small or big, but it always shows a positive feeling. You can like food, colors, activities, or even people. It is a common word but still shows you admire something in a simple way.
4. Love
Love is a very strong feeling of admiration and care for someone or something. When you love your family or a pet, it means you feel a deep connection and want to protect them. For example, “I love spending time with my friends” shows you admire and enjoy their company very much. Love goes beyond just liking; it means you care deeply. You can love hobbies, places, or ideas too. It is one of the strongest and most beautiful ways to admire anything or anyone.
5. Value
To value something means to think it is important or useful. When you value a person’s advice, you believe it can help you. For example, “I value your friendship” means you admire the friend and think their support is important. Valuing shows respect and appreciation combined. It means you want to keep and protect the thing or person because it means a lot to you. Saying “I value honesty” shows you admire truth and want it in your life.
6. Praise
Praise means to say good things about someone or something because they did well. When you praise a child for doing homework, you show admiration and encourage them. For example, “You did a great job!” is a way to praise someone. Praise helps people feel proud and want to do better. You can praise talents, efforts, or qualities in others. It is a way to show admiration openly by speaking positive words.
7. Enjoy
To enjoy something means to get happiness from it or find it fun. When you enjoy a movie or a game, it means you admire it by liking the experience. For example, “I enjoy reading books” shows you admire the story and feel happy while reading. Enjoying is about feeling good and wanting to spend more time with the thing you admire. It is a simple way to show admiration because it comes from feeling pleasure.
8. Treasure
To treasure something means to keep it safe because it is very special to you. When you treasure a gift or a memory, you admire it deeply and do not want to lose it. For example, “I treasure the necklace my grandmother gave me” shows strong admiration and care. Treasuring is like loving but also protecting. It means you value something so much that it feels precious and important in your heart.
9. Fancy
Fancy means to like something or someone, often in a playful or light way. When you say, “I fancy that dress,” it means you admire it and think it looks nice. Fancy can also mean being interested in someone, like “He fancies her.” It is a fun and casual way to admire. Fancying something means you feel attracted or pleased by it, even if it is just for a short time or a little bit.
10. Applaud
To applaud means to show admiration by clapping your hands. When people applaud after a performance, it means they admire the work and want to say “Well done!” For example, “The crowd applauded the singer’s amazing voice.” Applauding is a way to admire publicly and encourage someone. It is a clear and loud way to say you think something or someone is great and deserves praise.
11. Honor
To honor means to admire someone by showing respect and special attention. When you honor a hero, you remember their good deeds and celebrate them. For example, “We honor our veterans on this day” shows deep admiration and thankfulness. Honoring can be done with ceremonies, words, or actions. It is a serious and respectful way to admire, especially for important people or events.
12. Adore
To adore means to love and admire someone or something very much. When you adore your pet, it means you feel a lot of affection and care for it. For example, “She adores her little brother” shows strong admiration and love. Adoring is more than liking; it means feeling a warm and happy connection. It is often used for people, pets, or things that bring joy and comfort.
13. Cherish
To cherish means to hold something dear in your heart and care for it deeply. When you cherish a friendship or a memory, you admire it so much that it feels very special. For example, “I cherish the moments we spent together” shows love and admiration. Cherishing is about protecting and valuing something like a treasure. It means you never want to lose it and always want it close to your heart.
14. Esteem
Esteem means to admire someone or something because you think they have good qualities. When you esteem a teacher or a leader, you respect their skills and character. For example, “I esteem my mentor for her wisdom” shows admiration and respect. Esteeming someone means you hold them in high regard and trust their judgment. It is a formal and serious way to say you admire and value someone.
15. Regard
To regard means to think about someone or something in a certain way, often with respect or admiration. When you regard a person as kind, it means you admire their goodness. For example, “She is highly regarded by her colleagues” shows people admire and respect her. Regarding is about having a positive opinion and feeling admiration quietly but strongly.
16. Worship
To worship means to admire and love someone or something with great respect, often in a religious way. When people worship, they show deep admiration and devotion. For example, “Many worship their gods with prayers” shows strong admiration and belief. Worshipping can also mean admiring a person so much that you look up to them like a hero. It is one of the strongest ways to show admiration, mixing love, respect, and honor.
Final Thoughts
Admiring someone or something can be shown in many ways. Using different words like appreciate, respect, love, or praise helps express your feelings clearly. Each synonym adds its own special meaning, making your words more interesting and powerful. Remember, admiration is a positive feeling that builds connections and happiness. Try using these synonyms in your daily life to show how much you care and admire the good around you.
