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respectful

adjective

re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl How to pronounce respectful (audio)
: 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.
As perhaps the most visible member of the royal household, Kate Middleton—Catherine, Princess of Wales—is expected to dress with a modest, formal, and respectful sensibility that sits just outside contemporary dress. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2025 The star continues to maintain a respectful relationship with Big E, who showed him immense grace after the in-ring injury that ultimately ended Big E’s full-time career. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025 Assertive, respectful communication not only reinforces boundaries but models self-respect for your children. Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2025 The mother took him in, pitying his orphan status and appreciating his straightforward manners, neither servile nor presumptuous, but respectful and unembarrassed and warm. Daniyal Mueenuddin, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025 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 29 Nov. 2025.

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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