as in deferent
marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status
the children were remarkably respectful while in the president's office
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of respectful
The key, Hayes says, is to be completely polite and respectful at all times.
—
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025
This is a popular path, so practice trail etiquette, which can be boiled down to remaining alert, respectful and kind.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The hymns also describe the inhabitants as being respectful to foreigners.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
The post urged residents to consider veterans’ well-being by finding other ways to celebrate July 4 that are inclusive and respectful.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025
This is a popular path, so practice trail etiquette, which can be boiled down to remaining alert, respectful and kind.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The hymns also describe the inhabitants as being respectful to foreigners.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
The post urged residents to consider veterans’ well-being by finding other ways to celebrate July 4 that are inclusive and respectful.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectful
Adjective
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The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle.—
Carlie Procell,
USA TODAY,
25 Nov. 2024
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The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2023
Adjective
-
Anne Hathaway’s Lureen, all rodeo sparkle and small-town ambition, is Jack’s half-hearted refuge; her final scene is a master class in polite denial, her eyes steel behind a frosty Texas drawl.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
27 June 2025
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Fittingly, a green laser shined out into the crowd as attendees turned from polite listeners to a rowdy mosh pit, singing every word.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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West's playing here is precise, reverent, never indulgent.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
19 June 2025
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Craig is self-reflective while being appropriately reverent to the tropes of the genre.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
Chief Justice Roberts 'wrong,' courts should be 'deferential' The Trump administration's mass deportation efforts have repeatedly hit legal challenges.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
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The appeals court applied the most deferential level of review, rational basis, and found that the requirement satisfied it.—
June 27,
CBS News,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectful. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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