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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
ri-ˈspekt-fə-lē How to pronounce respectful (audio)
adverb
respectfulness noun

Synonyms of respectful

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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.
Whomever the Black citizens of Los Angeles are voting for, their respectful depiction is a rare departure from the usual screen stereotypes of the 1930s. — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026 Dion appeared to be surrounded by security, with onlookers close to her yet respectful of her space. — Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2026 The Marine Mammal Center encouraged the public to let the whale be and ensure to view it from a respectful distance. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026 But there are hardly any screens left that are respectful to pixels. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for respectful

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Browse Nearby Words

respecter
respectful
respecting
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Cite this Entry

“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respectful. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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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
-fə-lē How to pronounce respectful (audio)
adverb
respectfulness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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