Definition of respectablenext
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as in decent
of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards the artwork that we commissioned from the muralist turned out to be respectable but was not quite what we had hoped for

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of respectable Johnny Cash played Folsom Prison when respectable artists wouldn’t go near convicts. Richard P. Weigand, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026 The mainstreaming of the great replacement theory in the United Kingdom, and the surge of the overtly racist Reform Party, was assisted by such headlines as christian child forced into muslim foster care in a once-respectable broadsheet like the Times. Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 The Falcons played a respectable game on the road at New England in November, but were blown out at home by Seattle in December. D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026 What had the feel of another early blowout turned into a respectable game again, fast. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respectable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectable
Adjective
  • In announcing D’Amaro as CEO, Disney also promoted Walden, a respected Hollywood insider, to president and chief creative officer.
    Claire Zillman, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Fulenwider, the former dispatcher, respected Hadder.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Though the art that first spoke to me was honest and honorable depictions of Black life, I have since been inspired, gutted and changed by artists from all walks of life.
    Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Democratic Congressman Mike Thompson called LaMalfa an honorable public servant and recounted the two working together to deliver help for wildfire victims.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Jim Dickinson stepped in to produce and play a little piano, but Travis deemed the results too polished, too polite, too bourgeois.
    Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Messy is a polite way to describe the silos of vitriol that have turned hate into a national pastime.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Dolphins had a decent, although not necessarily strong 2025 draft class despite the fact all seven draftees got playing time last season, and five made at least one start.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Education isn’t a cure-all; North Korea appears to have decent schools yet is impoverished and totalitarian.
    Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Treatment was largely ad hoc and depended to a considerable degree on individual commanders, but customarily prisoners would be exchanged or placed on parole—granted their freedom but required by oath not to return to military action.
    Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
  • As his spatial awareness and shot selection has improved, his considerable skill and athleticism have dazzled more and more.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For this most prestigious honor of the Those Who Excel awards, recipients have demonstrated a significant commitment to equity and student success, regularly collaborate to create positive school cultures and serve as lifelong learners who inspire the broader community, according to the ISBE.
    Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The Jackson Hole native won one of the most prestigious races at the Games, as the downhill is sort of like the 100-m dash at the Summer Games.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But these songs are also honest, sometimes despite themselves, about the feelings of impotence associated with watching history play out on a screen.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
  • At least Mamdani was honest and campaigned as a socialist.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Hunting groups say this is an overestimation of deer numbers, and that the organization has never had a proper management plan.
    Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Darn Tough Hiker Merino Wool Crew Socks Whether hot or cold, the proper cushioned sock can help regulate temperature in shoes and keep your feet extra comfortable.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Respectable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectable. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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