Let’s be real. Words get tired. We use "admire" for everything from a sunset to a Nobel Prize winner, and frankly, it’s getting a bit stale. You’ve probably found yourself staring at a blank screen, cursor blinking, wondering if there’s a way to say you think someone is awesome without sounding like a Victorian poet or a corporate HR manual.
Finding another word for admire isn't just about sounding smart. It’s about precision. If you tell your boss you "admire" their leadership, it might sound a bit sycophantic. If you tell your partner you "admire" their new haircut, it sounds like you’re evaluating a piece of mid-century modern furniture. We need nuance. We need words that actually carry the weight of what we’re feeling.
The English language is messy. It’s a hoard of stolen linguistic treasures from Latin, Greek, and Old French, which is why we have fifty ways to say the same thing, yet somehow none of them feel quite right when you're put on the spot.
The Hierarchy of Respect
Not all admiration is created equal. Sometimes you’re looking up at a hero; other times you’re just nodding in agreement with a buddy’s life choices.
Esteem is the word you use when there’s a formal layer of professional respect involved. It’s less about "I want to be you" and more about "I recognize your worth." Think about the phrase "self-esteem." It’s a measurement of value. In a business context, saying you hold someone in high esteem carries a weight that "admire" just can't touch. It suggests a long-term observation of their character.
Then you have venerate. Use this one sparingly. To venerate someone is to treat them as nearly sacred. You venerate icons. You venerate civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. or scientific titans like Marie Curie. If you use this for your coworker because they brought in donuts, you’re being sarcastic, whether you mean to be or not.
Actually, the word revere sits right in that sweet spot between liking someone and worshiping them. Revere implies a certain level of awe. It’s what we do with historical figures or masters of a craft. It’s deep. It’s quiet.
When You Just Think They’re Cool
Sometimes the vibe is lighter. You aren't trying to build a monument to this person; you just think they’ve got it together.
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- Appreciate: This is the workhorse of the English language. It’s versatile. You can appreciate a fine wine, a gesture of kindness, or a well-executed marketing strategy. It’s grounded.
- Look up to: Simple. Effective. This is the go-to for mentors. It implies a vertical relationship where you are actively learning from the person.
- Value: This focuses on what the person brings to the table. "I value your input" sounds much more professional than "I admire your input."
Consider the difference in energy. To admire is often passive—you’re just looking. To prize or treasure someone is active. It means you’re holding onto them because they’re rare.
The Romantic and the Intense
If you’re looking for another word for admire because you’re writing a love letter or a particularly intense journal entry, "admire" is incredibly weak. It’s the "nice" of the appreciation world.
Adore is the obvious heavy hitter here. It’s affectionate. It’s warm. But it can also feel a bit "pet-like" if you aren't careful. People adore puppies. If you want something with more teeth, try idolize. Be careful, though—idolizing someone implies you might be blind to their flaws. It’s an intense, often one-sided form of admiration that psychologists often warn can lead to unhealthy dynamics in relationships.
According to Dr. Brené Brown’s research on human connection, there is a massive distinction between admiration and awe. Awe is what happens when we realize we are in the presence of something vast that transcends our understanding. You might admire a painter, but you stand in awe of the Grand Canyon. If someone’s talent makes you feel small in a good way, you are awed by them.
Professional Nuance: Stepping Away From "Good Job"
In the workplace, "admire" can sometimes feel accidentally condescending. It’s like saying, "Oh, look at you doing a thing." To avoid this, move toward words that focus on competence.
Commend is a fantastic choice for formal recognition. It’s what a general does for a soldier or a CEO does for a department. It’s an external, public acknowledgment of excellence. If you’re writing a LinkedIn recommendation, use extol. To extol someone’s virtues is to praise them enthusiastically. It sounds high-end and sophisticated without being "too much."
What about applaud? You don’t have to literally clap. "I applaud your commitment to sustainability" works because it frames the admiration as a reaction to a specific action. It’s dynamic.
The Linguistic Trap: Flattery vs. Admiration
We have to talk about the dark side of another word for admire. There’s a thin line between genuine respect and sucking up.
Fawn and touts are words that describe admiration that has gone off the rails. If someone is "fawning" over a celebrity, it’s a bit pathetic. They’re seeking validation. On the flip side, to lionize someone is to treat them like a celebrity, often more than they deserve. We see this in the tech industry constantly—founders are lionized until their first bad earnings call, at which point the admiration evaporates.
Context Is Everything: A Quick Reference
If you're still stuck, look at the specific thing you like about the person or object.
- For their brain: Respect, honor, value, prize.
- For their beauty: Marvel at, gaze upon, appreciate, delight in.
- For their character: Revere, venerate, look up to, esteem.
- For their skill: Applaud, commend, extol, acknowledge.
Sometimes, the best word isn't a synonym at all. It’s a description of the effect they have on you. Instead of saying "I admire your courage," you could say "Your courage inspires me" or "I am moved by your bravery." These focus on the emotional resonance rather than just a static judgment of their quality.
Moving Toward Better Expression
Stop using "admire" as a default. It’s a linguistic crutch. When you reach for a synonym, you’re actually forcing yourself to think more deeply about why you like something.
Is it because they’re talented? Then use marvel.
Is it because they’re a good person? Use respect.
Is it because they’re your hero? Use venerate.
The next time you're writing a thank-you note or a performance review, take thirty seconds to ask: "What am I actually feeling?" If you’re feeling a sense of wonder, "admire" won't cut it. If you’re feeling a sense of professional debt, "admire" is too soft.
The goal of communication is to be understood, not just to be heard. Using the right word ensures your praise actually lands the way you intended.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Audit your recent emails: Look for the word "admire" or "like" and replace them with one of the more specific terms above (e.g., "value" or "commend").
- Identify your "Who": Pick one person you genuinely respect and choose the specific word that fits them—are they venerated or esteemed?
- Practice Nuance: Next time you’re tempted to say you "admire" a piece of art or a colleague’s work, challenge yourself to use a word that describes the result of that admiration, like "inspired" or "impressed."