estimable
Americanadjective
-
worthy of esteem; deserving respect or admiration.
What an estimable young woman; a renowned neurosurgeon at 26.
- Synonyms:
- good, excellent, meritorious, laudable, admirable, respectable, reputable
- Antonyms:
- contemptible
-
capable of being estimated.
The cost to society of drug addiction is hardly estimable.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of estimable
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin aestimābilis, equivalent to aestim(āre) “to value, price, set the monetary value of” + -ābilis, an adjective suffix; see origin at esteem, -able
Explanation
Something or someone estimable is worthy of respect and admiration. Many U.S. presidents might be described as estimable, though it depends on who you ask. This is a word for people who deserve respect. A hardworking scholar who has written several books might be estimable. Things can be estimable, too. You might describe an impressive book, restaurant, or film as estimable. Estimable is related to esteem, which can be used to mean “regard highly.” Being estimable is the opposite of being disgraceful.
Vocabulary lists containing estimable
The Hobbit
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Grade 12, List 3
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Pride and Prejudice
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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.
He was assisted in the writing of his book by the estimable John J. Miller, much as L. Brent Bozell Jr. lent his pen to Goldwater.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
I was hoping Joe would feel some similarly competitive outrage toward the rolling trapezoid, deficient in Americana, ignorant of history, nothing like the estimable Hummer.
From Slate • Jun. 22, 2025
“It’s still very early days here and the liability is simply not estimable today,” Pizarro said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2025
Xabi Alonso, its estimable young coach, remains on course to claim a treble — league, cup, Europa League — in his first full season.
From New York Times • Apr. 12, 2024
Jo saw and understood the look, and she stalked grimly away to get wine and beef tea, muttering to herself as she slammed the door, “I hate estimable young men with brown eyes!”
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
