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respectful

adjective

re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl How to pronounce respectful (audio)
Synonyms of respectfulnext
: 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.
Cox is convinced that the central issue confronting statesmen and stateswomen is to restore a culture of civility to American life and promote passionate and respectful discourse. John T. Shaw, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025 Loyola supports the integrity of the student governance process, including the ability to appeal, and remains committed to fostering a campus environment grounded in respectful dialogue, inclusion, and the Jesuit value of care for the whole person. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025 Her three-minute time slot to speak had ended, and city officials had already warned attendees to remain respectful and not speak outside of their turn multiple times throughout the meeting. Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 2 Dec. 2025 The brilliant idea of building the film around the recording of the little girl’s real voice was done in a very respectful, inspired, and harmonious way. Sabrina Impacciatore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 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 6 Dec. 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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