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

Advertisement Imagine our workplaces, home life, and neighborhoods engaged in being more curious, reflective, and respectful. — Joan M. Cook, Time, 7 Nov. 2026

Stand up, pay attention, be respectful and leave the other stuff at home. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Service is immaculate in that distinctly Japanese way—anticipatory, respectful, never overbearing—and there’s an elegance to the hospitality here that feels deeply ingrained rather than trained. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026

They are required to wear high-visibility clothing and turn on their lights, to stay off sidewalks and obey one-way streets, to be respectful of pedestrians and cautious in traffic. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Nov. 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