as in fine
in a satisfactory way
the stock performed respectably, giving us a decent return on our investment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 respectably
The Vikings cruised to a quick score to open the game, but the Commanders responded with a drive that started out respectably.
—
Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2025
Gonzalez fouled Brunson once but otherwise held up respectably against the Knicks star in his maiden shift.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
Since both Morisot and Manet families were respectably upper-middle class, there was no problem in her sitting as a model for him.
—Robert Taylor, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
However, until getting shut down by the Pirates, the Rockies had been playing respectably since the All-Star break.
—John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2025
Gonzalez fouled Brunson once but otherwise held up respectably against the Knicks star in his maiden shift.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
Since both Morisot and Manet families were respectably upper-middle class, there was no problem in her sitting as a model for him.
—Robert Taylor, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
However, until getting shut down by the Pirates, the Rockies had been playing respectably since the All-Star break.
—John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectably
Adverb
-
Now more than six months later, both are doing fine.—
Chris Hoffman,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Filip Hronek surviving fine without Quinn Hughes Before the Quinn Hughes trade, Filip Hronek had a 47 percent xG while scoring at a 42-point pace.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
So disguised as a beggar, Odysseus shows up at his palace, and he is not treated very nicely by the suitors who have camped out in his house.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
For Homer, the case is coming together nicely and straightforwardly.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Those investments have strengthened our infrastructure, expanded affordable housing, supported our schools, and created good-paying union jobs throughout the First District and across Connecticut.—
Dayle Blue,
Hartford Courant,
5 Mar. 2026
-
This is especially true in Michigan, where tariffs have caused uncertainty across our critical automotive sector, slowed economic growth, and threatened good-paying jobs.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
As more observations are collected, those uncertainties shrink, allowing scientists to better understand the object’s true path through space.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Kelly Clarkson Home Valentin Striped Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug Powerloomed for durability, this low-pile rug works well both outdoors on a patio or indoors in high-traffic areas like mudrooms.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
But things have gotten a little more uptight than alright with Moy’s family.—
Gary Graff,
Billboard,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Robinson Briand says her client is alright after seeking medical care following her release, but the damage is lasting.—
Derek James,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The Kings played decently in his debut while losing to NHL-leading Colorado on Monday.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
And amid the upheaval of the roster at the trade deadline, the Bulls have completely lost their ability to beat teams out of the break, resulting in a recurring — and deflating — pattern of competing decently in the first half, then falling apart after halftime.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Somehow, the shameless concept of tanking has become an acceptably mainstream idea like destination weddings and the Paleo diet.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Feb. 2026
-
One-on-one gatherings are my preference, but no more than a group of maybe four people at a time would be acceptably comfortable for me.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
28 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Respectably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectably. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
