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

"I know that he was well respected in these circles and was viewed as a person of sound judgement and good character," it said.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

And yet, by the reckoning of one of the most respected currency hands in Washington, China’s currency is between 20% and 30% below its true value.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

He also emphasized that invoking the Fifth Amendment was a protected right that must be "respected."

From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026

MarketWatch: You chaired the Yale University investment committee for decades, working with David Swensen, who was Yale’s respected chief investment officer.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026

Chambers made a stunning accusation that day: He charged a man named Alger Hiss, one of Washington's most respected government officials, with spying for the Soviet Union.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

respected

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

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