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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Recent Examples of respectful
During the roughly three months of filming on the island, a local islander was on set every day to make sure the production took care to preserve the island and be respectful of the local culture and history.
—
Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026
Strong preparation creates a respectful finish for both renter and management staff.
—Daniel Fusch, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Be prepared, respectful, and concise.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
Draft an important note, then revisit instructions, while keeping your tone respectful and firm.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026
Strong preparation creates a respectful finish for both renter and management staff.
—Daniel Fusch, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Be prepared, respectful, and concise.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
Draft an important note, then revisit instructions, while keeping your tone respectful and firm.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
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 Feb. 2026
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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.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Leaning in rather than keeping a polite distance.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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At the start of the season, there was a deferential aspect to Jakucionis’ play, including his shooting.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Mar. 2026
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Harrell thinks the courts could be deferential to the White House in that respect, but that increasing the duty to 15 percent could invite greater legal scrutiny and make the argument more wobbly.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The gallery hummed with the ideal number and mix of people—reverent Sherald fans, art students in statement glasses, and little kids rushing up to the massive canvases and screaming in delight.—
Josh Tyrangiel,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2026
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In this environment of diffused light and reverent craftsmanship are 89 guest rooms and suites plus three completely unique dining concepts.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectful. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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