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.
Similar to the teen’s case, the commission said King failed to be faithful to the law, and failed to be courteous, patient and respectful. Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 13 Nov. 2025 The program aims to teach kids to be compassionate, accountable, respectful, ethical and service-minded in order to foster a positive and inclusive school community. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025 In breaking with the contentious dealings between the league and the NFL Players Association, Tagliabue and Upshaw kept negotiations respectful and centered on what would benefit both sides. NPR, 9 Nov. 2025 When Marissa is first interviewed by the police, she’s lightly chided by her otherwise respectful husband for not checking a parent’s phone number against the school registry. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 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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