admirable

[ad-mer-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.

   Synonyms: praiseworthy, estimable
   Antonyms: reprehensible, disreputable, unworthy

2. excellent; first-rate.

admirable

/ ˈædmərəbəl /

adjective

1. deserving or inspiring admiration; excellent

Other Word Forms

• admirableness noun
• admirability noun
• admirably adverb
• superadmirable adjective
• superadmirableness noun
• superadmirably adverb
• unadmirable adjective
• unadmirableness noun
• unadmirably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of admirable¹

From the Latin word admīrābilis, dating back to 1590–1600. See admire, -able

Example Sentences

And the children had showed admirable restraint when it came to both squirrels and pigeons; Penelope had only had to offer a few cautionary reminders and the occasional distracting biscuit.

Read more on Literature

To the script’s credit, their bond is strained but never snapped — their friendship has an admirable elasticity.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“In North America, we’ve always replaced our reserves and resources, which is obviously important and admirable,” Hill said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Her 20-year devotion to professional footy, she writes, helped her “glimpse what is grand and noble, and admirable and graceful about men.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That would be admirable if it weren’t for the fact that most of his beliefs were abominable.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• attractive 
• commendable 
• excellent 
• exquisite 
• great 
• laudable 
• praiseworthy 
• unreal 
• valuable 
• wonderful