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
  • Across more than a dozen votes forced by Democrats to rein in the president's war powers, the vast majority of the GOP conference has remained united in opposition, granting the president wide deference in steering the conflict.
    — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The Federal Arbitration Act commands arbitration awards receive high deference and can only be vacated in limited circumstances, such as when the arbitrator engaged in fraud.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of deference
Noun
  • It’s all been replaced with a great sense of humility and introspection spread across little more than half an hour.
    — Jason Pettigrew, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Bruce Avolio, professor of management at the University of Washington, sees the fictional coach as an example of a leader who prioritizes learning, humility, and the people around him.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 Oct. 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
  • Strive for self-abnegation, justice, meekness, mercy, purity, love.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Sep. 2026
  • And Jesus' answer is one takes it through meekness, peacemaking, humility, love, etc.
    — Jason DeRose, NPR, 26 May 2026
Definition of meekness
Noun
  • New life for the Armstrong house Schreiber, who grew up in Dayton, about 60 miles south of Armstrong’s hometown, always admired him for his achievements, modesty and character.
    — John Seewer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The black mesh gown swept the floor and featured a plunging V-neck bodice and pink crystallized adornments throughout, offering the musician a modicum of modesty in specific areas.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of modesty

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Cite this Entry

“Respectfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectfulness. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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