English Synonyms and Antonyms

doubtful which is fairly open to doubt; that is dubious which has become the subject of doubts so grave as
scarcely to fall short of condemnation; as, a dubious reputation. Questionable may be used nearly in the sense
either of dubious or of doubtful; a questionable statement is one that must be proved before it can be accepted.
To say that one's honesty is questionable is a mild way of saying that in the opinion of the speaker he is likely
to prove dishonest. Equivocal is sometimes, tho more rarely, used in this sense. A suspicious character gives
manifest reason to be suspected; a suspicious temper is inclined to suspect the motives and intentions of
others, with or without reason. Compare CLEAR.
Antonyms:
certain, evident, lucid, perspicuous, unequivocal, clear, indisputable, manifest, plain, unquestionable, distinct,
indubitable, obvious, unambiguous, unquestioned.
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ESTEEM, v.
Synonyms:
appreciate, consider, estimate, prize, think, calculate, deem, hold, regard, value.
Synonyms and Antonyms, by James Champlin Fernald
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Esteem and estimate alike imply to set a certain mental value upon, but esteem is less precise and mercantile
than calculate or estimate. We esteem a jewel precious; we estimate it to be worth so much money. This sense
of esteem is now chiefly found in literary or oratorical style, and in certain conventional phrases; as, I esteem
it an honor, a favor. In popular usage esteem, as said of persons, denotes a union of respect and kindly feeling
and, in the highest sense, of moral approbation; as, one whom I highly esteem; the word may be used in a
similar sense of material things or abstractions; as, one whose friendship I esteem; a shell greatly esteemed for
inlaid work. To appreciate anything is to be deeply or keenly sensible of or sensitive to its qualities or
influence, to see its full import, be alive to its value, importance, or worth; as, to appreciate beauty or
harmony; to appreciate one's services in a cause; the word is similarly, tho rarely, used of persons. To prize is
to set a high value on for something more than merely commercial reasons. One may value some object, as a
picture, beyond all price, as a family heirloom, or may prize it as the gift of an esteemed friend, without at all
appreciating its artistic merit or commercial value. To regard (F. regarder, look at, observe) is to have a
certain mental view favorable or unfavorable; as, I regard him as a friend; or, I regard him as a villain; regard
has a distinctively favorable sense as applied to institutions, proprieties, duties, etc., but does not share the use
of the noun regard as applied to persons; we regard the Sabbath; we regard a person's feelings; we have a
regard for the person. Compare ESTEEM, n.
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ESTEEM, n.
Synonyms:
estimate, estimation, favor, regard, respect.
Esteem for a person is a favorable opinion on the basis of worth, especially of moral worth, joined with a
feeling of interest in and attraction toward the person. Regard for a person is the mental view or feeling that
springs from a sense of his value, excellence, or superiority, with a cordial and hearty friendliness. Regard is
more personal and less distant than esteem, and adds a special kindliness; respect is a more distant word than
esteem. Respect may be wholly on one side, while regard is more often mutual; respect in the fullest sense is
given to what is lofty, worthy, and honorable, or to a person of such qualities; we may pay an external respect
to one of lofty station, regardless of personal qualities, showing respect for the office. Estimate has more of
calculation; as, my estimate of the man, or of his abilities, is very high. Estimation involves the idea of
calculation or appraisal with that of esteem or regard, and is especially used of the feeling entertained by
numbers of people; as, he stood high in public estimation. Compare ESTEEM, v.; FRIENDSHIP; LOVE.
Antonyms:
abhorrence, aversion, dislike, loathing, antipathy, contempt, hatred, repugnance.
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ETERNAL.
Synonyms:
deathless, fadeless, never-failing, undying, endless, immortal, perennial, unending, eonian, imperishable,
perpetual, unfading, everlasting, interminable, timeless, unfailing, ever-living, never-ending, unceasing,
without end.