respectful

adjective

re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl How to pronounce respectful (audio)
Synonyms of respectfulnext
: marked by or showing respect or deference
respectfully adverb
respectfulness noun

Examples of respectful in a Sentence

the children were remarkably respectful while in the president's office
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Remaining quiet and respectful increases the chances of observing bears in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Debbie Olsen, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026 The event is a fundraiser for the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund, which provides financial relief in a confidential, respectful manner to individual theatre practitioners of greater Boston. Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026 Tri-County Human Services, its Board, and management team remains fully committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and respectful workplace for all staff, clients, and community partners. Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026 Both were calm, respectful and attentive during the nearly two-hour hearing, which hashed out the merits of their competing temporary protective orders. Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for respectful

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of respectful was in 1593

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respectful. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

respectful

adjective
re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl How to pronounce respectful (audio)
: marked by or showing respect
a respectful manner
respectful of others
respectfully adverb
respectfulness noun

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