respectful

adjective

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

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 mood was sombre and respectful. Andy Mitten, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026 All of Us Are Dead sees its stars MacGyvering survival tools, climbing walls with fire hoses and coming up with respectful ways to use the bathroom where none exist. Sammi Burke, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Feb. 2026 The toxicity directed toward Underwood was one of the things that led Peacock to release a statement, urging fans to be respectful. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026 Rose responded with a lengthy post in a notably more respectful, though still hostile, tone than his post against Czarzasty. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 5 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respectful. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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 adverb
respectfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on respectful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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