Synonyms

adore

American

[uh-dawr, uh-dohr] / əˈdɔr, əˈdoʊr /

verb (used with object)

to regard with the utmost esteem, love, and respect; honor.

Synonyms:

venerate, revere, reverence, idolize

Antonyms:

abhor
to pay divine honor to; worship.

to adore God.
to like or admire very much.

I simply adore the way your hair is done!

verb (used without object)

to worship.

adore British

/ əˈdɔː /

verb

(tr) to love intensely or deeply
to worship (a god) with religious rites
informal (tr) to like very much

I adore chocolate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Etymology

Origin of adore

First recorded in 1275–1325; from Latin adōrāre “to speak to, pray, worship,” from ad- ad- + ōrāre “to beg, plead, speak” ( see oration); replacing Middle English aour(i)e, from Old French aourer, from Latin

Explanation

Someone you adore gets put on a pedestal. Considering your fear of germs, when you told me that you had shared a toothbrush — I knew you must adore her! Adore comes from the Latin word adorare, meaning “to worship.” So when you adore someone, it's more than just a crush. However, like many words of strong emotion, adore gets used in lighter situations as well. Your aunt tells me you just adore the miniature fruitcakes she sends you every holiday.

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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.

Ahmed: The shows that I really adore and the ones that really inspired me on this journey are ones that are unapologetically specific.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

"You have an audience that adore you. An audience that enjoy the content," he wrote.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

I adore director Ridley Scott and my forever ride-or-die, Susan Sarandon.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

It’s a must-bake and a must-try for those who adore all things chocolate.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

Marlena smiles in delight, clapping, extending her hands toward Rosie and inviting the crowd to adore her.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023