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

Fern wrote Sandra for her without telling her and, despite having been friends for a number of years by this point, sent the script to her agent to keep matters formal and respectful. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

His career reflected many of the values that Civics 250 seeks to teach – most notably bipartisanship and respectful dialogue. — Clarine Nardi Riddle, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026

The more respectful campaign makes the case while the artist is still here — still working at full command of his gifts. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

The conversation, Boyer says, then shifted to how the protest could be respectful of the military. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 1 Sep. 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