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.
Taking respective schedules, team strength and form into account, Opta’s simulations predict that Oviedo and Levante have left it too late. Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 Apr. 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, 20 Apr. 2026 Under the new framework, Disney and The Seven will build a pipeline of original series, combining their respective creative strengths. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026 In fact, the summer peaks of COVID in 2024 and 2025 were worse than their respective winter peaks, according to the California Department of Public Health — a stark departure from the earlier years of the pandemic, when winter surges ripped through California with devastating regularity. Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 22 Apr. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on respective

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster