1
2
3
4
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

5

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 By most accounts, Hooch was a fairly respectable businessman, but he was convicted of murder after shooting the popular banker and stealing $20. Graham Averill, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025 There are a lot of very respectable academics that have done a lot of really amazing work in Black Studies and Africana Studies. Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025 As for the rest, Derby rallied to finish a remarkable third (eventually losing to Queens Park Rangers in the play-off final), while Middlesbrough (12th), Bolton (14th) and Wednesday (16th) claimed a respectable mid-table berth. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025 Morrissey explodes the comparatively respectable conventions of prior Frankenstein adaptations by embracing the deranged erotic and fascist implications of building and breeding new life. Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for respectable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectable
Adjective
  • Marcel Marceau became a global sensation with his signature character Bip the Clown, his expressive silence and artistic mastery transforming mime into a respected art form.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Since becoming a major star in the genre circa 1990, Gill has become one of the most respected figures in the history of country music, with a long run of chart successes and accolades to back that up, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame back in 2007.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • To keep the homeland safe, America needs a strategy to deter a devastating war, preserve its strategic position in Asia, and thereby maintain an honorable peace with China.
    Eyck Freymann, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
  • In 2021, the Vietnam Veterans of America presented Agnes with an award for her dedication, devotion and honorable military service.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There is polite applause as Cristian Romero cushions a ball from the sky.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Being polite and understanding how to function around a group of people, being open and friendly.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The University of Florida product made a decent impact his rookie season, appearing in 12 games and rushing 38 times for 161 yards and a touchdown.
    Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Meanwhile, food aboard the International Space Station and the Tiangong leaves much to be desired, with the menus reading like something more suited to iron rations for a Round Britain yacht race than a decent meal.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Colorado football's third season with Deion Sanders at the helm has been met with considerable headwinds.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The pleasant, polished drama provides a compassionate take on a high schooler undergoing considerable change, its only debit being the arguably too-neat depiction of that transitional circumstance.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the world’s most prestigious art events, Miami Art Week began with Art Basel Miami Beach in 2002 and has since grown into a citywide celebration that draws nearly 80,000 art lovers and tastemakers.
    Staff Author, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
  • As a result, the job of BBC director general — though certainly prestigious —is also relentless and thankless.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But to be honest, the 20th anniversary, in other people’s hands, would not have lured me back.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025
  • They’re further accused of honest services wire fraud, a noteworthy charge that has played an instrumental role in the sports world of late.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • However, be sure to refer to your care label before determining the proper wash settings.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Old Medications Regularly checking expiration dates in your fridge or pantry might already be a part of your cleaning routine, but that medicine cabinet full of little bottles could go years without a proper cleanout.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Respectable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectable. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on respectable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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