Synonyms for Adore
Updated · Synonyms List editorial team
Quick answer: To find synonyms for adore, consider words that convey deep affection and admiration. Adore means to love and respect someone intensely. You might use this term for family, friends, or romantic partners. Choosing the right word depends on the context and relationship.
Closest Synonyms for Adore
- cherish
- To value deeply; She cherishes every memory we share.
- worship
- To revere greatly; He worships her talent and kindness.
- idolize
- To admire excessively; Fans idolize their favorite singer.
- revere
- To hold in high respect; Students revere their wise teacher.
- devote
- To give time or affection; They devote their lives to each other.
- beloved
- Used as a noun for a loved one; She is his beloved partner.
- prize
- To regard as very important; They prize their friendship above all.
- esteem
- To respect and admire; He highly esteems her opinion.
- reverence
- Deep respect; Her actions inspire a sense of reverence.
- love
- To care deeply for; They love spending time together.
Formal Synonyms for Adore
- venerate
- To regard with great respect; They venerate ancient traditions.
- appreciate
- To recognize value; One should always appreciate nature.
- honour
- To treat with great respect; She honours her ancestors.
- regard
- To consider highly; He regards her as a mentor.
- hold in high esteem
- To value someone greatly; We hold her in high esteem.
- acclaim
- To praise publicly; The artist was acclaimed for her work.
- praise
- To express approval; The judge praised the student.
- worship the ground they walk on
- To admire someone so intensely that their mere presence feels overwhelming, as an admirer might worship the ground the celebrity walks on.
Informal Synonyms for Adore
- dote on
- To care for too much; Grandma dotes on her grandchildren.
- fawn over
- To flatter excessively; He fawns over the manager.
- smitten
- To be suddenly infatuated; She is smitten by his smile.
- crazy about
- To love very much; I am crazy about chocolate ice cream.
- besotted
- To be infatuated; He is besotted with his new hobby.
- head over heels
- To love deeply; She is head over heels for him.
- can't get enough of
- To love something intensely; She can't get enough of pizza.
- take a shine to
- To become fond of quickly; He took a shine to the puppy.
- have a soft spot for
- To feel special affection; She has a soft spot for cats.
- be moonstruck
- To be infatuated; He was moonstruck by her beauty.
Stronger and Weaker Words
Antonyms for Adore
- hate
- despise
- loathe
- detest
- abhor
- dislike
- scorn
- relish nothing
- spurn
- reject
How to Pick the Right Synonym
Choosing the right synonym for adore depends on the intensity of your feelings and the context of your message. Formal words like venerate fit professional settings, while informal terms like smitten suit casual conversations. Consider the relationship between people to ensure the word matches the level of intimacy and respect intended in your communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between adore and love?
Love is a broad term for deep affection, while adore implies a stronger, more intense form of devotion often accompanied by admiration and reverence for the other person.
Can you use adore for pets?
Yes, adore is frequently used for pets to show deep affection and care. It conveys a sense of joy and tenderness that owners feel toward their animal companions daily.
What is a formal synonym for adore?
Venerate is a formal synonym for adore, often used in religious or respectful contexts to describe deep reverence and honor toward someone or something considered sacred.
Is adore stronger than like?
Yes, adore is much stronger than like. While like indicates a mild preference, adore expresses intense love and devotion, suggesting a deep emotional connection and commitment.
