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Some common synonyms of regard<\/em> are admire<\/em><\/a>, esteem<\/em><\/a>, and respect<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to recognize the worth of a person or thing,\" regard<\/em> is a general term that is usually qualified.<\/p>

\/\/ he is highly regarded<\/em> in the profession<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'admire' take the place of 'regard'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of admire<\/em><\/a> and regard<\/em> largely overlap; however, admire<\/em> suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.<\/p>

\/\/ a friend that I truly admire<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'esteem' be a better fit than 'regard'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words esteem<\/em><\/a> and regard<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, esteem<\/em> implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.<\/p>

\/\/ no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'respect' be used instead of 'regard'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms respect<\/em><\/a> and regard<\/em> are close in meaning, respect<\/em> implies a considered evaluation or estimation.<\/p>

\/\/ after many years they came to respect<\/em> her views<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the verb 'regard' contrast with its synonyms?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of regard<\/em> are admire<\/em><\/a>, esteem<\/em><\/a>, and respect<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to recognize the worth of a person or thing,\" regard<\/em> is a general term that is usually qualified.<\/p>

\/\/ he is highly regarded<\/em> in the profession<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'admire' take the place of 'regard'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of admire<\/em><\/a> and regard<\/em> largely overlap; however, admire<\/em> suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.<\/p>

\/\/ a friend that I truly admire<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'esteem' be a better fit than 'regard'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words esteem<\/em><\/a> and regard<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, esteem<\/em> implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation.<\/p>

\/\/ no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'respect' be used instead of 'regard'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms respect<\/em><\/a> and regard<\/em> are close in meaning, respect<\/em> implies a considered evaluation or estimation.<\/p>

\/\/ after many years they came to respect<\/em> her views<\/p>" } } ] }

regard 1 of 2

Definition of regardnext
1
2
3
as in to consider
to think of in a particular way I wouldn't regard that offhand comment as a serious threat to your personal safety

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
as in to anticipate
to give consideration to (as unexpected circumstances or contingencies) the judges regard the amount of effort and energy you put into the project in evaluating it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

regard

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in glimpse
an instance of looking especially briefly flashed the young man an imperial regard that clearly indicated such behavior was out of line

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in reference
relation to or concern with something specified with regard to your request for time off, go ahead and take the whole week for vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
6

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb regard contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of regard are admire, esteem, and respect. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

In what contexts can admire take the place of regard?

The meanings of admire and regard largely overlap; however, admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When might esteem be a better fit than regard?

The words esteem and regard 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

When can respect be used instead of regard?

While the synonyms respect and regard are close in meaning, respect implies a considered evaluation or estimation.

after many years they came to respect her views

How does the verb regard contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of regard are admire, esteem, and respect. While all these words mean "to recognize the worth of a person or thing," regard is a general term that is usually qualified.

he is highly regarded in the profession

In what contexts can admire take the place of regard?

The meanings of admire and regard largely overlap; however, admire suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection.

a friend that I truly admire

When might esteem be a better fit than regard?

The words esteem and regard 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

When can respect be used instead of regard?

While the synonyms respect and regard 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 regard
Verb
Widely regarded as South Africa’s king of crime fiction, Meyer’s work has been translated into 28 languages across more than 40 countries. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026 Politicians and activists across the political spectrum have instead advocated for states’ ability to regulate AI in the absence of meaningful federal action regarding the fast-moving technology. Jared Perlo, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
He’s corrupted from the inside by a system that has no regard for his humanity. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 The most common offenders, with regard to allergic reactions, are pet dander, dust and pollen. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for regard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regard
Verb
  • James turned forty-one at the end of that month, an age at which many people start to notice the normal degeneration of their tendons and joints.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
  • In 2024, the Rowes noticed a significant change in Ralph's behavior.
    Will Croxton, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Propose a simple plan, note responsibilities in writing, and set a time to revisit the arrangement after everyone has lived with it.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
  • But, as Jude has noted in interviews, the title is also an allusion.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For now, the Halligan appeal remains the clearest test case, and the administration seems dead-set on appealing it until the Supreme Court decides whether to consider the matter for a merits argument.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The vast majority of employees at TSA are considered essential, and roughly 50,000 continue to work without pay during the funding lapse.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This is your chance to ensure your time and money are respected.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
  • An Arlington police spokesperson wrote in a statement that the department respects the grand jury’s decision.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated March 21, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The analyst anticipates this, along with ORCL's leading database technology and an accelerating applications business, could ensure continued growth in the years ahead.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2026
  • After nearly a four-year break, the preeminent Korean pop music group BTS is reuniting for a world tour featuring several dates in Latin America, where the group’s return is highly anticipated.
    Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The finale stretched out over two hours, and by the time Canada, Shires, and Jason Boland, respectively, stepped into the spotlight to cap the night, the love and admiration for Snider had been laid bare.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2026
  • While baking with whole grains remains Jullapat’s guiding principle, this book is dedicated to her admiration of those who, well, bake in the morning.
    The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The exhibition is only a first glimpse of the much larger collection that will soon be on view in the new museum in Jerusalem.
    Sarah Kozlowski, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Studt recommends heading over to one of Palm Beach County’s larger nature preserves, such as Cypress Creek Natural Area in Jupiter or Loxahatchee Slough in Palm Beach Gardens, to catch a glimpse of the spirited flocks.
    Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Instead, and perhaps fittingly, Coppola takes a page from Jacobs’s own book, and strings together a gauzy assortment of references and influences—presented through clips, photographs, and interviews—that have made up Jacobs’s artistic blueprint over the years.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The authors found that users who heavily relied on LLMs submitted essays with 50% fewer pronouns, which was representative of the larger shift toward impersonal language that included fewer anecdotes and references to human experiences.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Regard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regard. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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