RESPECTFULLY Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

respectfully

adverb

as in lovingly

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Dissimilar Words

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 In a statement, Essayli said his office respectfully disagreed with the order and indicated Seabright's ruling will follow a similar path to the Supreme Court. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Even as Heath stumbles his way through the lyrics, the audience respectfully claps along to the beat. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectfully

Adverb

Here the past remains unchanged and lovingly maintained in honor of the rugged pioneers who made the desert bloom.

— Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026
Starring Giancarlo Giannini, Laura Antonelli, and Jennifer O’Neill, the film was lovingly restored by Film Movement Classics to preserve the film’s 50th anniversary.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of lovingly

Adverb

Passengers should politely ask their seatmate to move rather than attempting to climb over them, which can cause injuries.

— Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2026
Their ensuing correspondence with the department began politely but devolved into threats and demands emphasized in italic type.

— Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of politely

Adverb

Unlike the High Church Swift, Defoe was a puritan (in many things), and where the former was suspicious of the economic instrumentalization that turned people into commodities, the latter was positively bullish on the market economy.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
Lawrence also noted that becoming a mom has positively impacted her career.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 28 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

Tucker was never criminally charged or sued civilly over the allegations, but the allegations, and subsequent NFL suspension, led some to compare him to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of civilly

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respectful

respectfully

respectfulness

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

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Synonyms of respectfully

adverb

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