respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
Synonyms of respective
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
2
obsolete : partial, discriminative
respectiveness noun

Synonyms of respective

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Examples of respective in a Sentence

it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways
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.
Representatives for both Starkey and the Who confirmed to Variety that the respective statements are accurate. — Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026 Both Southwest Mississippi Community College and Ocean Springs High School lost their respective season-opening games. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Mica and John-Paul subsequently divorced their respective spouses and were legally married in November 2017. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026 To be sure, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft still maintain very high credit ratings, and their underlying businesses are performing well, as evidenced by strong growth in operating cash flow during their respective June quarters. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respective

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of respective was in 1597

Rhymes for respective

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Browse Nearby Words

respecting
respective
respectively
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Cite this Entry

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

respective

adjective
re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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