The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Esteem \Es*teem"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Esteemed; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Esteeming.] [F. estimer, L. aestimare, aestumare, to
   value, estimate; perh. akin to Skr. ish to seek, strive, and
   E. ask. Cf. Aim, Estimate.]
   1. To set a value on; to appreciate the worth of; to
      estimate; to value; to reckon.
      [1913 Webster]

            Then he forsook God, which made him, and lightly
            esteemed the Rock of his salvation.   --Deut. xxxii.
                                                  15.
      [1913 Webster]

            Thou shouldst (gentle reader) esteem his censure and
            authority to be of the more weighty credence. --Bp.
                                                  Gardiner.
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            Famous men, -- whose scientific attainments were
            esteemed hardly less than supernatural. --Hawthorne.
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   2. To set a high value on; to prize; to regard with
      reverence, respect, or friendship.
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            Will he esteem thy riches?            --Job xxxvi.
                                                  19.
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            You talk kindlier: we esteem you for it. --Tennyson.

   Syn: To estimate; appreciate; regard; prize; value; respect;
        revere. See Appreciate, Estimate.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

esteemed
    adj 1: having an illustrious reputation; respected; "our
           esteemed leader"; "a prestigious author" [syn:
           esteemed, honored, prestigious]

Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:

73 Moby Thesaurus words for "esteemed":
   admired, adored, appreciated, beloved, celebrated, cherished,
   conspicuous, creditable, darling, dear, dearly beloved,
   distinguished, eminent, estimable, exceptional, extraordinary,
   favorite, held dear, held in esteem, held in respect,
   highly considered, highly esteemed, highly regarded,
   highly reputed, highly respectable, honorable, honored, in favor,
   in good odor, in high esteem, in high favor, loved, marked,
   memorable, meritorious, much-admired, noble, notable, noteworthy,
   of mark, outstanding, pet, popular, precious, prestigious, prized,
   prominent, rare, remarkable, rememberable, reputable, respectable,
   respected, revered, reverenced, reverend, salient, signal, special,
   striking, telling, treasured, unforgettable, valued, venerable,
   venerated, well-beloved, well-considered, well-liked,
   well-thought-of, worshiped, worshipful, worthy