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.
The church continues to serve as a pilgrimage site, and officials plan to keep the process respectful and collaborative, welcoming input from Catholics, Anglicans, and the international community. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025 After protracted and respectful… — Tony Buzbee (@TonyBuzbee2) July 18, 2025 A dismissal with prejudice means Sharpe’s accuser cannot refile the same claim against him in the same Las Vegas court. Matt Moret, New York Times, 19 July 2025 For example, Carney brings humility to his discussions with Trump by being respectful. Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 16 July 2025 As the new guidelines state, our goal at all times is to promote the well-being of our community and to foster respectful, frank, and productive discussions, with room for diverse viewpoints. Ken Fisher, ArsTechnica, 16 July 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 29 Jul. 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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