respectability

noun

Definition of respectabilitynext
as in morality

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of respectability Only his father’s respectability, and perhaps his odd Motown accent, spared him from getting cussed out by bridesmaids at society weddings as a wastrel and drunkard, a shameless woman-wrapper. — Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026 Historically, social respectability has relied, remarkably often, on the discretion of others and the last resort of deniability. — Fern Schumer Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Critics online have described restrictions on du-rags and bonnets as respectability politics that unfairly target clothing associated with Black culture. — Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Standards are not automatically anti-Black Not every expectation set within a Black institution is respectability politics. — Tee Wilson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Taken together, the studies have increased the respectability of mitochondria as a wide-ranging, dynamic area of study. — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026 Theater artists who have come of age in this period have been released from the burden of having to conform to notions of regional theater respectability. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 For Democrats in the Florida Legislature, the long road back to respectability runs right along the Broward coastline. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026 Pamphlets detailing how goods were disinfected prior to sale shellacked an additional veneer of respectability onto the enterprise. — Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectability
  1. morality
  2. decency
  3. nobility
  4. virtue
  5. fairness
  6. incorruptibility
  7. conscientiousness
  8. justice
Noun
  • The postliberals want to enforce a Catholic conception of the common good and morality.
    — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The Brothers Karamazov unfurls drama, philosophy, and morality against a vision of 19th-century Russia.
    — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of morality
Noun
  • However, a modicum of decency four years ago would’ve gone further.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • And the solution is simply to replace the corrupt, racist authoritarian with a governing party that respects the rule of law, equality, and basic decency.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of decency
Noun
  • He was branded a heretic, in part for preaching that the nobility were immoral and so was nobility itself.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Originally published in Esquire magazine, this group portrait of jazz nobility was photographed at 17 East 126th Street in New York City.
    — David Morgan, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of nobility
Noun
  • Alongside them, an 82-year-old lawmaker wages a final battle against powerful religious opposition to change the law — and the belief that endurance is a virtue.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • And ads paid for by the prediction market and gambling industries don’t tout the virtues of those industries.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of virtue
Noun
  • Clarify the scope, name the price or limit, and let fairness make the connection stronger instead of awkward.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Presidents Tsai and now Lai represent equality, fairness, and progress.
    — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of fairness
Noun
  • Building a reputation for trustworthiness and fairness through transparent actions and accountability also helps reinforce one’s incorruptibility.
    — Nancy Pulciano, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2026
  • While critics say these changes are merely cosmetic, many ordinary Bangladeshis have been sold on the veneer of incorruptibility that comes from a theological under-pinning.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of incorruptibility
Noun
  • Could conscientiousness be related to satisfaction with your friendships?
    — Diego Guevara Beltran, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Constructive anxiety often signals foresight, conscientiousness, and genuine commitment when outcomes are uncertain.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 30 July 2026
Definition of conscientiousness
Noun
  • The case could soon be appealed back to the Supreme Court, days after the justices handed down a procedural decision that allowed the administration to move ahead.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The proceedings open with selection of a panel consisting entirely of service members who will act as the jury to hear the case according to rules of military justice.
    — Steve Gorman, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of justice

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Cite this Entry

“Respectability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectability. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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