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
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 respectful
The key, Hayes says, is to be completely polite and respectful at all times.
—
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025
This is a popular path, so practice trail etiquette, which can be boiled down to remaining alert, respectful and kind.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The hymns also describe the inhabitants as being respectful to foreigners.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
The post urged residents to consider veterans’ well-being by finding other ways to celebrate July 4 that are inclusive and respectful.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025
This is a popular path, so practice trail etiquette, which can be boiled down to remaining alert, respectful and kind.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The hymns also describe the inhabitants as being respectful to foreigners.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
The post urged residents to consider veterans’ well-being by finding other ways to celebrate July 4 that are inclusive and respectful.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectful
Adjective
-
The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle.—
Carlie Procell,
USA TODAY,
25 Nov. 2024
-
The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2023
Adjective
-
If a client goes quiet, a polite but firm follow-up message outlining next steps can nudge resolution.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
The mother is friendly and the son is quiet and polite.—
Rebecca Chace
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
His surviving works — just over 30 in all — form a kind of visual music or poetry: reverent, revelatory.—
Jerry Saltz,
Vulture,
2 July 2025
-
Elena holds her headstrong, intellectually gifted friend Lila in reverent admiration, but the girls’ paths diverge when Lila, who cannot afford to continue her education, marries an abusive man, while Elena goes to university and becomes a writer.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Chief Justice Roberts 'wrong,' courts should be 'deferential' The Trump administration's mass deportation efforts have repeatedly hit legal challenges.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
The appeals court applied the most deferential level of review, rational basis, and found that the requirement satisfied it.—
June 27,
CBS News,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectful. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share