respectfully

adverb

1
as in lovingly

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2
as in politely

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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 Everyone here almost too respectfully gives one another their turn to speak, the conversation rarely fomenting into argument or overlapping chatter. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectfully
  1. lovingly
  2. politely
  3. positively
  4. courteously
  5. civilly
Adverb
  • The marionettes – or puppets – come in all shapes and sizes, many crafted from wood; some depict humans, others fantastical creatures, all intricately and lovingly made.
    — Kelly Kasulis Cho, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Amazingly, the all-sand island has its own garden area, lovingly tended by the staff, where herbs, fruits, and even vegetables grow for guest dinners.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of lovingly
Adverb
  • Can his anti-establishment, punk-rock spirit politely endure an attaboy from the man?
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • My New York neighbors barely said hello; in Singapore, a stranger would probably politely look away rather than risk embarrassing you.
    — Amanda Lee Koe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of politely
Adverb
  • Only 27% of Americans view both the State and Justice departments positively, and while Republicans’ approval of those departments has held relatively steady, it’s also below 50%.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • These books offer a closer relationship with the game, but it should be noted that odds, props, and information are not impacted positively or negatively based on their relationship.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 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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respectful
respectfully
respectfulness
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Cite this Entry

“Respectfully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectfully. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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