respectful

adjective

re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl How to pronounce respectful (audio)
Synonyms of respectfulnext
: marked by or showing respect or deference
respectfully
ri-ˈspekt-fə-lē How to pronounce respectful (audio)
adverb
respectfulness noun

Synonyms of respectful

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Examples of respectful in a Sentence

the children were remarkably respectful while in the president's office
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The conversation, Boyer says, then shifted to how the protest could be respectful of the military. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026 Show up prepared, respectful and often, and the vendor across the table will remember you. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026 Currie said under new leadership, Ford has made significant progress and is committed to keeping this facility a safe and respectful workplace. — Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026 However, cooler heads prevailed, with respectful interactions afterward, and Khabib Nurmagomedov even assisting Song. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respectful

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of respectful was in 1593

Rhymes for respectful

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Browse Nearby Words

respecter
respectful
respecting
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Cite this Entry

“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respectful. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

respectful

adjective
re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl How to pronounce respectful (audio)
: marked by or showing respect
a respectful manner
respectful of others
respectfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce respectful (audio)
adverb
respectfulness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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