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 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 Put yourself in situations where people are willing to talk respectfully and address their differences. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectfully
  1. lovingly
  2. politely
  3. positively
  4. courteously
  5. civilly
Adverb
  • Though this two-bedroom apartment dates back to the 1920s, local firm Elements Architectural Group lovingly restored it in 2023.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Perry, 41, looked completely at ease as her boyfriend lovingly slathered sunscreen down her dress as the couple embarked on a romantic sunset cruise with friends.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of lovingly
Adverb
  • This could leave you feeling confused whether you’re being praised, tested or politely managed.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The woman usually introduces herself politely and grabs a seat to listen to the whistle of hot water pouring from a thermos.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of politely
Adverb
  • Frederick said that how Howard has handled unenrollment and reenrollment can contribute positively to the school’s image.
    — Matt Brown, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Nicole Kidman’s jet set summer continues with its most recent stop in Mykonos, Greece, where the actress was positively glowing alongside Lioness co-star Zoe Saldaña.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 7 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
  • 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
  • Trump separately was found civilly liable by another Manhattan federal court jury for having defamed Carroll.
    — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 29 June 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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