respectful

adjective

re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl 

: marked by or showing respect or deference

respectfully

ri-ˈspekt-fə-lē 

adverb

respectfulness noun

Synonyms of respectful

• deferent
• regardful
• polite
• deferential
• reverent

Examples of respectful in a Sentence

the children were remarkably respectful while in the president's office

Recent Examples on the Web

The key is to research nearby options before showing up with your dog — and be respectful once you and your dog arrive, according to Beth Miller, founder of Wagtown, a nonprofit that works with communities to become more dog friendly. — Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

People from different cultures often have fundamentally different assumptions about what makes advice helpful, respectful, and supportive. — Krishna Savani, Harvard Business Review, 3 Aug. 2026

As a tribute to their compassion and tenacity in the face of horror, the six-part miniseries is above reproach — respectful and respectable, laudatory but dignified. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

Venezuela has a tradition of having international observers in its electoral process, but that international observation must be respectful of the country. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for respectful

• neglectful
• disrespectful

Kids Definition

respectful

adjective

re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl 

: marked by or showing respect

a respectful manner

respectful of others

respectfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

respectfulness noun