as in deferent
marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status
the children were remarkably respectful while in the president's office
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of respectful
The University of Michigan is committed to ensuring a professional and respectful workplace for all members of its community.
—
Mark Guarino, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
My focus has always been on creating a positive, respectful place for student athletes to train, compete, grow, and pursue their college dreams.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Airline agents may be more willing to help when interactions stay calm and respectful.
—Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Just make sure to always keep a respectful distance and appreciate the wildlife from afar.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Mark Guarino, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
My focus has always been on creating a positive, respectful place for student athletes to train, compete, grow, and pursue their college dreams.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Airline agents may be more willing to help when interactions stay calm and respectful.
—Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Just make sure to always keep a respectful distance and appreciate the wildlife from afar.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectful
Adjective
-
The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
25 Feb. 2026
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And many advocates are promoting a vision of public health that’s less dependent on mandates and appeals to authority, and more deferent to individuals’ beliefs.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Soft spoken, very polite, a good fellow.—
Michael Biesecker,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Stribing was equal parts humble, low key and polite — not at all in keeping with the image of a diva wide receiver.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And so, when James Harden walked toward the Raptors’ bench during a timeout in the Cavaliers’ 125-120 win, the Raptors were no longer impressed or deferential.—
Eric Koreen,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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Amodei is forcibly removed and replaced with a deferential Army general.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In the sumptuousness of the bibliophile’s parlor, studying Black history occasioned reverent, joyous gatherings.—
Laura E. Helton,
Literary Hub,
20 Apr. 2026
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Newman often seems to be reciting his lyrics, even incanting them, reverent and repetitive.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Pitchfork,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectful. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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