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 Because this is an ongoing investigation, the family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 While the traditional Swedish version, called a prinsesstårta, typically features a layer of raspberry jam and a bright green marzipan coating, Sant Ambroeus’ iteration is respectfully remixed for a more metropolitan crowd. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 Soon There is an art to respectfully negotiating on prices at estate sales, Robbins explains, and asking for a discount too soon isn’t the way to go. — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 29 July 2026 Employees are encouraged to respectfully challenge assumptions and put forth divergent viewpoints. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Those qualities, combined with nearly twenty years of courtroom experience, have prepared me to serve fairly, respectfully, and impartially as a County Court Judge. — Schnelle Tonge, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2026 Sheinbaum did her best to respectfully downplay the significance of the former president’s screed. — Tim Golden, ProPublica, 13 July 2026 Leaving respectfully can preserve those relationships, and that matters more than staying out of guilt ever will. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectfully
  1. lovingly
  2. politely
  3. positively
  4. courteously
  5. civilly
Adverb
  • Anthony Fasano shared the tight end room in Kelce’s first two years in Kansas City — which Kelce lovingly refers to as his knucklehead days — and described a talented player teetering of the edge of blowing an opportunity.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Franklins lovingly brought structure and discipline, requiring kids to go to church and summer camps, volunteer, and participate in sports.
    — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovingly
Adverb
  • The manager can then politely ask that the food not be served while offering an alternative.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Employers are advised to clarify interview protocols, politely manage parental presence, and focus on assessing the candidate's individual merits.
    — Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of politely
Adverb
  • Kopple’s Hamptons—even with its endless velvet ropes and parties and Jacuzzis—is positively quaint in comparison.
    — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Yet, last year an NBC poll found that only18% of Americans viewed socialism positively.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 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
  • Those held by Customs and Border Protection near the border, or by ICE in the country’s interior, are civilly detained for the purpose of removal proceedings.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The prosecutor’s office said it was notified the following week that the hospital would not civilly commit him, and he was released.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of civilly

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respectfulness
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Cite this Entry

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

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