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

Once inside, there are more rules spectators must follow aside from simply being respectful. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

But attaining and maintaining security also rests on a more reliable bedrock, that of common values and respectful communication. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026

In the meantime, be respectful and give some people a wide berth. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

Setting a respectful boundary reveals whether the connection is genuinely mutual. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026