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
Our commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment applies to everyone, without exception.
—
Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025
Rather than stifling free speech, colleges should encourage respectful debate and promote ideological diversity over woke indoctrination.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 8 May 2025
Teachers at the San Juan Unified School District campus will address the matter in classes this week, Welborn wrote, to reinforce expectations for student behavior, promote a respectful learning environment and emphasize the importance of speaking out against hate.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2025
The fans have been quite respectful about not giving out spoilers.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025
Rather than stifling free speech, colleges should encourage respectful debate and promote ideological diversity over woke indoctrination.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 8 May 2025
Teachers at the San Juan Unified School District campus will address the matter in classes this week, Welborn wrote, to reinforce expectations for student behavior, promote a respectful learning environment and emphasize the importance of speaking out against hate.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2025
The fans have been quite respectful about not giving out spoilers.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 May 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
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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.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2023
Adjective
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This case involves the Hatchet Girls, a cult that follows a bloodthirsty leader intent on giving polite society hell.—
Chris Vognar,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2025
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What is a polite way to refuse a hug with friends or strangers?—
Judith Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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Taylor’s casket, covered with an American flag, was taken through reverent procession in Bell County on May 13 from Temple to the funeral home in Copperas Cove, KXXV reported.—
Kate Linderman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2025
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But Post’s reverent take on pop country ends up inheriting the subgenre’s baggage.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
21 Aug. 2024
Adjective
-
Pritchard describes a relaxed, collegial creative process – one by two legends who, if anything, might have been too deferential.—
Eric Renner Brown,
Billboard,
7 May 2025
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Many officers also think the country has become too deferential to the armed services for its own good.—
Anna Mulrine Grobe,
Christian Science Monitor,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectful. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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