respected

ADJECTIVE

esteemed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admired appreciated beloved honored important

STRONG

valued

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for respected?

Terms that have much the same meaning as respected are well-respected and well-regarded (though both can be used to be even more positive). All of these words are used to describe a person who has a positive reputation. A respected member of a group like a team or business is often one who’s valued and appreciated. Esteemed can mean much the same thing as respected, but it’s even more positive. See the next section for other words that are also more positive than respected.

What is a stronger word than respected?

Calling someone respected is quite positive. However, there are some words that imply that people not only respect the person, but highly admire them. Words that capture this sense are admired and esteemed. Words that take this to an even higher level are celebrated, beloved, and revered. The word respected is sometimes contrasted with feared, as in There were many respected officers, and a few who were feared.

What is the opposite (antonym) of respected?

Some people are respected, and others… aren’t. Perhaps the most common (and polite) way of saying this is to simply say that someone is not well-respected or not well-regarded. Someone who is not respected is often someone who is disliked. Much stronger words include despised, detested, and hated. The word disrespected can be thought of as an opposite of respected, but the words are often used in different situations. Whereas respected is often a general description of how people feel about (or treat) a person, disrespected is typically used in specific instances, as in I felt really disrespected when you corrected me in front of everyone.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

respected

In England, it was never really respected because people just see me as really quick and really aggressive.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

They were able to get Merlot grapes from Three Palms Vineyard, a respected vineyard in the area, and decided to give Merlot a try.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

Now a respected New Yorker magazine writer promoting his forthcoming book on the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Michael is contacted by Lou, who has been flailing since returning to the States.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

Some have already taken the project to court, fearing their land rights will not be respected, while environmental organisations including Greenpeace argues the refinery "threatens to damage one of East Africa's most fragile coastal ecosystems".

From Barron's ● Oct. 1, 2026

Although Roosevelt respected Rondon, he disagreed with him, insisting that the Americans’ food rations now be divided evenly among everyone despite the fact that they were already low.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

respected

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words