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.
Efficient courts serve everyone; victims, defendants, attorneys, and court staff by promoting timely, respectful, and just outcomes. Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026 Harden took the job, and Louie in the first season is a man worn down by his reliance on alcohol but also respectful and appreciative toward everyone in the hospital. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026 Their lives have been very highly researched, and there’s the delicate balance of being very respectful to these real people. Arushi Jacob, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 Kim and Chung, who is Korean-American, reflected on the role of elders in Korean culture and taught the rest of the room the traditions for pouring and receiving drinks in a respectful way. Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 12 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on respectful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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