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.
These sources are confident the deal will be completely finalised soon but are respectful of the CSD's processes and timelines. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Safety measures should be unobtrusive, effective and respectful. — Joe Fleckenstein, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026 In either case, Albury and Prince ask that attendees are respectful to one another. — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 Flight attendants say small gestures like making eye contact, greeting crew, and saying thank you signal cooperative, respectful passengers. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 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
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