respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
Synonyms of respectivenext
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
2
obsolete : partial, discriminative
respectiveness noun

Examples of respective in a Sentence

it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways
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.
Panish reminded jurors that witnesses testified that, in the September 2020 incident, Grossman and her then-lover Erickson were racing their respective Mercedes SUVs on the roads that surrounded the lake in Westlake Village. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026 Opinions expressed in this material may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed, or actions taken, by Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates, or their respective officers, directors, or employees. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 1 June 2026 Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, exes and two of the world’s biggest pop stars, are both preparing to walk down the aisle with their respective partners. Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 1 June 2026 Since launching the project, Netflix has released Falchuk’s conversations with Eric Dane and Jane Goodall after their respective deaths. Katie Campione, Deadline, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for respective

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of respective was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

respective

adjective
re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes

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