dutiful

adjective

du·​ti·​ful ˈdü-ti-fəl 

also ˈdyü-

1

: filled with or motivated by a sense of duty

a dutiful child

2

: proceeding from or expressive of a sense of duty

a dutiful effort

dutifully

ˈd(y)ü-ti-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

dutifulness

ˈd(y)ü-ti-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of dutiful

• respectful
• deferent

Examples of dutiful in a Sentence

the dutiful way he took care of his sick mother

the family showed a dutiful deference to their minister when he came to dinner

Recent Examples on the Web

Colón will play Miguel, a dutiful cowboy who is quiet but formidable. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026

Your dutiful correspondent’s first impression of his favorite place on earth upon returning here for his 37th home opener wasn’t about the deep green or brilliant blue or enduring mountainscape. —Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026

Effort meets order as the radiant Sun conjoins dutiful Saturn in your 6th House of Health, guiding consistent routines. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026

Her son, Navaraj, is obedient and dutiful. —Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dutiful

• undutiful

Kids Definition

dutiful

adjective

du·​ti·​ful ˈd(y)üt-i-fəl 

: having or showing a sense of duty

dutifully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

dutifulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun