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 The Dolphins have a solid stable of unproven defensive tackles, and a respectable duo of inside linebackers. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026 And that was a respectable thing for women of the upper middle class at that time. Mariel Carr, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026 In the decades before the Civil War, public theater was not generally considered respectable. Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 18 Mar. 2026 Hotel breakfasts should be a dining highlight of any respectable property and Amanyara’s measured up. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respectable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectable
Adjective
  • Known for its Western roots, respected arts scene and famously friendly welcome, the city offers a distinctly Texas experience that feels both relaxed and cultural.
    Taylor Haught, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 2026
  • In the two decades since its closure, Skate Key lives on as a fond memory among those who graced its floors, and a respected landmark to those who’ve learned of its status as a cultural hub and roller rink mecca.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Third team Gonzaga senior Graham Ike, an honorable-mention pick two years ago, earned third-team honors this season.
    Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The result feels less trend-driven and more back-to-basics—in an honorable, sure-of-itself sort of way.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s no polite, printable word to describe the security line situation at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport right now.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Leaning in rather than keeping a polite distance.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Its going to be a lot of hard work ahead for the club in the coming months - but confident that viewed in the round, the last two seasons have been pretty bloody decent.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The bundled keyboard and mouse are also decent, and there are plenty of ports for extra peripherals.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Another study on homebuyers in Shanghai found that even those with considerable personal savings relied heavily on parental support to fund their purchases.
    Matthew Chin,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The bathroom countertop required a considerable amount of thought and planning.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Computing’s prestigious Turing Award went this week to two men who created a way of keeping digital communication safe even in the age of quantum computers.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Following the assassination of President Kennedy, Onassis moved to New York to 1040 Fifth Avenue, one of Manhattan’s most prestigious cooperatives overlooking Central Park.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Academically, no; the call for honest and accurate citation of one’s sources will, and must, ring out as forcefully as ever.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The show was described as an honest look at an oft-misunderstood job, according to an application for film incentives submitted to the state in May 2025 and reviewed by The News.
    Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • She was considered proper and respected—if not somewhat eccentric.
    Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Gingie is a proper passion project for Lockwood, who was chuffed about the focal point of the open-concept kitchen.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Respectable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectable. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

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