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.
While 21gramm is trendier than some of its peers, the owners wanted to keep it a place where prices are fair, the atmosphere respectful, and the vibe welcoming to all. Diana Hubbell, Saveur, 16 Oct. 2025 To advocate for and support policies that ensure a healthy, safe, equitable and respectful learning environment, as well as a sense of belonging for each student in our school community. Pioneer Press Elections Team, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025 Shields appeared on Million Dollaz Worth Of Game and initially tried to be respectful. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Although there are many pop culture elements of this movie that may feel universal—the teens going absolutely bananas for their favorite pop stars, for instance—the clothing and some elements of the plot, including those which reference mythology, are respectful nods to Korean culture. Miranda Rake, Parents, 14 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!