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respectfulness

noun

as in deference

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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 respectfulness People considered other traits – such as loyalty, reliability, respectfulness and being there in times of need – to be much more important. — Athena Aktipis, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectfulness
  1. deference
  2. humility
  3. submissiveness
  4. meekness
  5. modesty
Noun
  • Kanter could raise the same basic arguments in an arbitration, but it would be conducted in private, and awards by arbitrators are difficult to challenge in court because judges are obligated to give high deference to those awards.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • But the governor offered his surprising deference to a political rival for an office he’s long been known to have eyes on during an interview conducted by CNN anchor Jake Tapper in a different state — Montana.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of deference
Noun
  • She was not obligated to be so open, but her humility unlocked me.
    — David Elkowitz, STAT, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Rovelli argues for a change in view that is not a defeat but a new kind of humility in the face of the universe's vast complexity.
    — Adam Frank, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of humility
Noun
  • Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of submissiveness
Noun
  • The third revealed meekness as spiritual strength – the willingness to let God lead thought and action.
    — Liesl Ehmke, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And Jesus' answer is one takes it through meekness, peacemaking, humility, love, etc.
    — Jason DeRose, NPR, 26 May 2026
Definition of meekness
Noun
  • What is striking is that all these versions agree on her shyness, modesty, and propriety.
    — Eva Blanco Medina, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Like the rest of their clothing, shoes for the British royal family are about classic silhouettes, modesty and formality.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of modesty

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respectfully
respectfulness
respecting
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Cite this Entry

“Respectfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectfulness. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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