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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of respectful
The vast majority spoke in support of the volunteer fire departments in town, and many were highly critical of the city council in a respectful manner.
—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
16 June 2026
The university is steadfastly committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every member of our community.
—
Adam Sabes , Cb Cotton,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Cultural advisors ensure all aspects of the resort, including programming and design, are authentic and respectful.
—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Of course, this return came against the Cleveland Guardians, a team that plays a chaotic style and has forged a respectful but heated rivalry with Skubal and the Tigers.
—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
16 June 2026
The university is steadfastly committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every member of our community.
—
Adam Sabes , Cb Cotton,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Cultural advisors ensure all aspects of the resort, including programming and design, are authentic and respectful.
—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Of course, this return came against the Cleveland Guardians, a team that plays a chaotic style and has forged a respectful but heated rivalry with Skubal and the Tigers.
—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectful
Adjective
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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.
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And many advocates are promoting a vision of public health that’s less dependent on mandates and appeals to authority, and more deferent to individuals’ beliefs.
Adjective
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Now the top of the list is alignment, which is a polite word for influence.
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My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note.
Adjective
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Courts generally provide a highly deferential review to private associations in their application of rules, especially those empowered by a CBA.
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Moreover, kids who grow up with robots may have unrealistic expectations for social interactions if the machine is deferential.
Adjective
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Not a hushed and reverent scene at all, lively and fun.
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This is a lovely, if rather decorous and reverent, tale of an illicit affair that’s unlikely to cause as much noise as Dhont’s last two films.
Cite this Entry
“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectful. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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