respective
adjective
re·spec·tive
ri-ˈspek-tiv 
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
Both works, critics say, display uncomfortable stereotypes that have been used to marginalize their respective Jewish and gay populations for a very long time.
—
David Colman, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026
Players who aren’t immediately flying back to their respective teams were set to have a team dinner at Cote Korean steakhouse in Miami’s Design District followed by a trip to Miami nightclub E11even — a staple on the Panthers’ Stanley Cup celebration tour each of the past two summers.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
During the closing minutes of the women’s figure skating free skate last Thursday, the American was hugging and consoling two Japanese competitors whose results fell short of their respective expectations.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 23 Feb. 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, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respective
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David Colman, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026
Players who aren’t immediately flying back to their respective teams were set to have a team dinner at Cote Korean steakhouse in Miami’s Design District followed by a trip to Miami nightclub E11even — a staple on the Panthers’ Stanley Cup celebration tour each of the past two summers.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
During the closing minutes of the women’s figure skating free skate last Thursday, the American was hugging and consoling two Japanese competitors whose results fell short of their respective expectations.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 23 Feb. 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, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respective
Cite this Entry
“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
respective
adjective
re·spec·tive
ri-ˈspek-tiv
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes
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