RESPECTIVE Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

respective

adjective

ri-ˈspek-tiv

Definition of respective

as in different

not the same or shared it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 respective While their respective wardrobes might seem worlds apart, both share an appreciation for relaxed silhouettes and a certain devil-may-care attitude to getting dressed. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026 New Yorkers will also decide whether Democrats Kathy Hochul and Letitia James should each be elected to an additional term in their respective roles as governor and attorney general. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 In early October, RadarOnline claimed that the former American Idol judges reconnected after their respective divorces. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2026 After teasing the collab on their respective social channels earlier this week, the two have officially released their 37-piece collection—consisting of knits, jackets, and pants—in stores and online worldwide today. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for respective

Adjective

The two questions the high court will examine include how the Employment Division‘s rule on a law’s neutrality should be applied and if the 10th Circuit should have used a different precedent as its guide, rather than the Employment Division.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
The aircraft have different sizes and operating capabilities, but investigators have not indicated whether those differences contributed to the collision.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of different

Adjective

For a more private stay, Book a room at Fairmont Gold, essentially a hotel-within-a-hotel experience with a separate check-in and check-out area, butler service, and a dedicated concierge team.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Until the transaction closes, DoorDash and Instacart will continue to operate as separate and independent companies.

— Rob Wile, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of separate

Browse Nearby Words

respecting

respective

respectively

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Style

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respective. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of respective

adjective

Example Sentences

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