respectfully

adverb

1
as in lovingly

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2
as in politely

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Dissimilar Words

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 respectfully Without becoming defensive or overly apologetic, respectfully reinforce that your decision has already been made. — Jasmine Johnson, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026 Our father taught us how to speak about patients respectfully— while acting efficiently and empathetically. — Alicja Turczyk, The Dial, 29 Sep. 2026 Even after the game, Riley apparently wasn’t aware that Stephens was soon on the sideline thereafter shown on NBC’s broadcast, not kneeling respectfully or exhibiting concern, but smiling and dapping up teammates. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026 Rather than insisting that these whales continue with their life, which is a human decision, perhaps they should be allowed to die gracefully and respectfully on their own. — Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026 Trust must be earned at the dais, by members who debate respectfully, explain themselves honestly and treat neighbors as neighbors. — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026 But, respectfully, that just sounds like the opinion of someone who lives in northern Ohio. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026 Well, respectfully, Congressman, Congress hasn't regulated a lot of things or come forward with much legislation of late. — CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026 When Spock respectfully refuses to mind meld and remove the codes by force, Reeger points a phaser at Kirk and threatens to kill him. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectfully
  1. lovingly
  2. politely
  3. positively
  4. courteously
  5. civilly
Adverb
  • Like the s’mores kits lovingly put together by the staff to be used on the electric firepit on the patio out back.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Kelce said lovingly before shouting out how quickly and thoroughly Swift picked up all there is to know about his sport.
    — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of lovingly
Adverb
  • Bodies and histories do not politely wait outside the studio until the artist grants them entrance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Members of the press, distributors, and other guests were politely asked to clear the area.
    — Amaia Odriozola, Vanity Fair, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of politely
Adverb
  • Technology is at the heart of facials, especially, from a skin analysis machine and facial sculpting wand to a cryotherapy mask that was positively icy—but also awesome—at -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Guerra also said that his recent fundraising had been going positively.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of positively
Adverb
  • Two inspectors knocked on doors and spoke courteously to surprised visitors who displayed booking contracts on their phones, the inspectors’ bodycam footage showed.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • When a visitor arrives in a classroom, a classroom ambassador welcomes them, introduces himself and the subject being taught, and courteously asks for the visitor’s name and affiliation.
    — Walter Fields, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of courteously
Adverb
  • On Thursday, after an eight-day trial, a 10-person federal jury found that Plazas Vega was not civilly liable for Urán’s torture or extrajudicial killing.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
  • That option that would require Clancy to be civilly committed to a psychiatric facility, maybe indefinitely.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of civilly

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Cite this Entry

“Respectfully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectfully. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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