Synonyms of respectful

respectful

adjective

ri-ˈspekt-fəl 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deferent
• regardful
• polite
• deferential
• reverent
• dutiful
• civil
• gracious
• worshipful
• reverential
• courteous
• venerating
• obsequious
• servile
• sycophantic
• fawning
• hagiographic
• subservient
• kowtowing
• genuflecting
• groveling
• toadying
• kid-glove
• kid-gloved

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disrespectful
• offensive
• abusive
• insulting
• derogatory
• demeaning
• disparaging
• contemptuous
• irreverent
• undutiful
• impudent
• scornful
• rude
• insolent
• discourteous
• uncivil
• depreciative
• depreciatory
• belittling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of respectful

The order also authorizes the Justice Department to challenge state vaccine regulations deemed insufficiently respectful of parental objections. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 17 Aug. 2026

Let’s all be respectful of others and make the most out of our limited beach time. — John Natale, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026

While the house already underwent a respectful renovation a few years back, its new owners—a family and their dog—tasked Daytrip with completing yet another. — Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2026

Druids are often animists, thereby emphasizing respectful relationships with animals, plants, and physical places. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026