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The English language is rich with words that allow you to express your sentiments and thoughts with precision. When it comes to the verb ‘like,’ you have a plethora of synonyms at your disposal that can add variety to your language and articulate your emotions more precisely. Whether you’re expressing enjoyment, preference, or desire, different contexts call for different synonyms to convey your message effectively.
Like Synonyms
Like Meaning
“Like” is a versatile word used to express enjoyment or preference towards something. In the English language, “like” can act as both a verb and a preposition, with its meaning subtly changing depending on the context. As a verb, It means to find something agreeable or enjoyable; to have a preference for something or someone.
Examples:
- They like to go for walks in the park on sunny days.
- He likes to listen to music while working.
- We like to try new restaurants whenever we travel.
List of Synonyms for Like
- Accept
- Admire
- Adopt
- Adore
- Adulate
- Akin to
- Appreciate
- Approve
- Approve of
- Bask in
- Be attracted to
- Be fond of
- Be keen on
- Be partial to
- Be pleased
- Care
- Care for
- Care to
- Charm
- Cherish
- Choose
- Crave
- Delight
- Delight in
- Desire
- Dig
- Dote on
- Elect
- Enchant
- Endorse
- Enjoy
- Ensure
- Equal to
- Esteem
- Fall in love with
- Fancy
- Favor
- Favour
- Feast on
- Feel
- Find appealing
- Fond
- Get a kick out of
- Get high on
- Get off on
- Go
- Go for
- Hail
- Hold dear
- Honor
- Idolize
- Indulge in
- Interest
- Lave
- Liking
- Long for
- Look
- Look up to
- Love
- Lust after
- Luxuriate in
- Make
- Match
- Mind
- Please
- Prefer
- Pretend
- Prize
- Regard
- Rejoice in
- Relish
- Resemble
- Respect
- Revel in
- Revere
- Savor
- Savour
- Seem
- Select
- Similar to
- Support
- Take
- Take an interest in
- Take pleasure in
- Take to
- Taste
- Think
- Treasure
- Understand
- Used
- Value
- Wallow in
- Want
- Welcome
- Will
- Wish
- Wish for
- Worship
Types of Synonyms for Like
Enjoyment
- Adore
- Appreciate
- Delight in
- Relish
- Savor
Preference
- Prefer
- Favor
- Choose
- Select
- Opt for
Common Synonyms for Like
Like vs. Love
Love is a stronger, more passionate feeling than like. Whereas you might like a type of food for its taste, you love your family for deep, emotional connections that go beyond mere enjoyment.
- I like going for walks in the park
- I love spending time with my family.
Like vs. Enjoy
Enjoy is often used interchangeably with like but typically involves a sense of pleasure derived from an experience or activity. You like a song for its melody, but you enjoy a concert due to the overall live music experience.
- I like to read books in my free time.
- She enjoys going to the beach on weekends.
Like vs. Admire
Admire encompasses respect and appreciation, often for qualities, abilities, or achievements. When you like a painting, it pleases your aesthetic senses, but when you admire the artist, it’s for their skill and creativity.
- He likes to play basketball with his friends.
- She admires the way her mentor handles difficult situations.
Like vs. Want
Want hinges on desire or wishing to possess something, while like suggests a fondness or enjoyment without the necessity of ownership. You may like an idea yet may not necessarily want to act on it.
- The cat likes to nap in the sunbeam that streams through the window.
- I feel like I want to travel the world, but at the same time, I want to stay close to home.
Synonyms for Like in Different Contexts
Affectionate Contexts
Romantic Affection
- Adore: Despite the distance, he adores her unwaveringly, cherishing every moment they spend together.
- Cherish: He cherishes the memory of their first date, holding onto it as a precious reminder of their love.
- Covet: She couldn’t help but covet his affection, yearning for his love and attention.
- Fancy: She fancied a romantic evening under the stars, savoring every moment with her beloved.
- Admire: He admires her strength and resilience, finding her unwavering determination incredibly inspiring.
- Savor: They savor the quiet moments together, relishing the warmth of each other’s embrace.
Friendly Affection
- Value: She values honesty and integrity in all her relationships.
- Appreciate: I truly appreciate your help and support during this difficult time.
- Enjoy someone’s company: I always enjoy your company; you bring so much positivity to every gathering.
- Hold dear: I hold dear the memories of our family vacations from my childhood.
- Take to: She really took to the new hobby and has been excelling at it.
Familial Affection
- Have a fondness for: She has a fondness for vintage cars and enjoys attending classic car shows.
- Hold in esteem: He is held in high esteem by his colleagues for his exceptional leadership skills.
- Be devoted to: She is devoted to her family and always puts their needs above her own.
- Respect deeply: I respect deeply the dedication and hard work you put into your craft.
- Care for: She cares for her elderly neighbor, often checking in on her and running errands.
Approval Contexts
Informal Approval
- Enjoy: You enjoy attending small gatherings.
- Fancy: Do you fancy going to the café?
- Appreciate: I appreciate good music.
- Dig: Do you dig the new album from that band?
Formal Approval
- Admire: I admire your commitment to sustainability.
- Esteem: We esteem the efforts of our volunteers.
- Respect: You respect the rules of the forum.
- Value: We value your input on the project.
Absolute and Near Synonyms for Like
Absolute Synonyms for Like
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Adore | To have a deep and profound level of love or like for something. |
| Enjoy | To find pleasure or satisfaction in something. |
Near Synonyms for Like
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fancy | Fancy can imply a passing whim or a more superficial preference. |
| Relish | To relish something means to greatly enjoy it, savoring the experience. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some informal synonyms for ‘like’ in English?
You might say you ‘fancy’ or ‘take to’ something as informal alternatives to ‘like.’ Phrases such as ‘get a kick out of’ or ‘have a thing for’ also convey a similar casual sentiment.
What formal term can I use instead of ‘like’?
For a more formal situation, consider using ‘appreciate’ or ‘esteem.’ These terms suggest respect and admiration in a more dignified or professional context.
How can I express enjoyment in a word similar to ‘like’?
To express enjoyment, you might use synonyms such as ‘enjoy,’ ‘relish,’ or ‘savor.’ These words indicate a deeper level of pleasure than ‘like.’
Which synonym should I use for ‘like’ in academic writing?
In academic writing, ‘appreciate’ or ‘value’ are suitable synonyms for ‘like’ as they communicate a sense of regard or esteem backed by reason or evaluation.
Could you provide a stronger term for ‘like’ that implies a deeper affection?
For a stronger expression of affection, ‘love’ or ‘adore’ could be used. These words denote a more intense emotional connection.
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