admire
verb
ad·mire əd-ˈmī(-ə)r 
admired; admiring
transitive verb
1
: to feel respect and approval for (someone or something) : to regard with admiration
They all admired her courage.
2
archaic : to marvel at
intransitive verb
dialect : to like very much
… I would admire to know why not …
A. H. Lewis
A. H. Lewis admirer noun
Synonyms
- appreciate
- consider
- esteem
- regard
- respect
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
We gazed out the window and admired the scenery. I admire the way you handled such a touchy situation.
Recent Examples on the Web Besides more than 300 classic cars to admire, the downtown event features a street fair with music, arts, craft and food vendors, shopping, breweries and restaurants. San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 This set has nine mini figures in total and has plenty of smaller details to admire, as well. Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 22 Aug. 2022 Another day, another Jennifer Lopez outfit to admire. Claire Harmeyer, Peoplemag, 16 Aug. 2022 There’s a chef’s table in the space and the main dining area is up the winding stairs and has windows running the entire length of the space that are thrown open to better admire the sea views framed by flowering palms. Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 Many Kid Cudi fans admire the rapper for his ability to be outspoken about his mental health struggles. Elise Brisco, USA TODAY, 19 Aug. 2022 Inside, guests can admire the chandeliers hanging from the 15-foot ceilings, fireplaces and pine floors. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 19 Aug. 2022 That kind of stability has helped the Gondoliers remain competitive and be a program to admire in the community. Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2022 From sunrise to sunset, our guests can admire a panorama of exceptional views from the balconies of the rooms. Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 14 June 2022 See More
San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 This set has nine mini figures in total and has plenty of smaller details to admire, as well. Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 22 Aug. 2022 Another day, another Jennifer Lopez outfit to admire. Claire Harmeyer, Peoplemag, 16 Aug. 2022 There’s a chef’s table in the space and the main dining area is up the winding stairs and has windows running the entire length of the space that are thrown open to better admire the sea views framed by flowering palms. Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 Many Kid Cudi fans admire the rapper for his ability to be outspoken about his mental health struggles. Elise Brisco, USA TODAY, 19 Aug. 2022 Inside, guests can admire the chandeliers hanging from the 15-foot ceilings, fireplaces and pine floors. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 19 Aug. 2022 That kind of stability has helped the Gondoliers remain competitive and be a program to admire in the community. Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2022 From sunrise to sunset, our guests can admire a panorama of exceptional views from the balconies of the rooms. Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 14 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Middle French admirer, Latinization of amirer "to make (little or much) of," borrowed from Latin admīrārī, ammīrārī "to regard with wonder, show esteem for," from ad- ad- + mīrārī "to be surprised, look with wonder at," derivative of mīrus, "remarkable, amazing," of uncertain origin
Note: Regarding etymology of Latin mīrus see note at smile entry 1.
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2
Kids Definition
admire
verb
ad·mire əd-ˈmīr
admired; admiring
: to think very highly of : feel admiration for
admired 1 of 2
adjective
as in adored
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- adored
- appreciated
- revered
- relished
- loved
- esteemed
- cherished
- beloved
- favored
- treasured
- prized
- pet
- darling
- favorite
- fond
- special
- preferred
- dear
- precious
- fair-haired
- white-headed
- sweet
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disliked
- despised
- hated
- detested
- abhorred
- ignored
- disdained
- unbeloved
- forgotten
- loathed
- execrated
- disfavored
- abominated
- abandoned
- alienated
- unfavorite
- estranged
admired
2 of 2verb
as in respected
to think very highly or favorably of I admire the way you handled such a touchy situation Synonyms & Similar Words
- respected
- regarded
- appreciated
- praised
- loved
- liked
- loved
- commended
- enjoyed
- applauded
- esteemed
- revered
- considered
- venerated
- adored
- complimented
- valued
- reverenced
- acclaimed
- relished
- approved
- idolized
- credited
- set store on
- favored
- savored
- savoured
- worshipped
- fancied
- worshiped
- adulated
- cherished
- set store by
- treasured
- prized
- accredited
- hallowed
- deified
- canonized
- dug
- drank (in)
- delighted (in)
- revelled (in)
- reveled (in)
- doted (on)
- grooved (on)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- hated
- despised
- detested
- loathed
- abhorred
- disliked
- execrated
- abominated
- dismissed
- disdained
- disapproved
- deplored
- disregarded
- scorned
- condemned
- decried
- frowned (on or upon)
- discounted
- vilified
- discountenanced
- disfavored
- kissed off