respective
adjective
re·spec·tive
ri-ˈspek-tiv 
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
2
obsolete
: partial, discriminative
respectiveness
noun
Examples of respective in a Sentence
it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways
Recent Examples on the Web
What happens when two players score the first touchdown of their respective pro careers on the same play?
—
Kansas City Star, 26 Dec. 2025
See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
—Meghan Hunter, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2025
Bregman and Abreu struggled upon returning from their respective injuries, too.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 Dec. 2025
All four of the main players do a terrific job in their respective roles and in re-creating the music live on the stage.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respective
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Kansas City Star, 26 Dec. 2025
See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
—Meghan Hunter, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2025
Bregman and Abreu struggled upon returning from their respective injuries, too.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 Dec. 2025
All four of the main players do a terrific job in their respective roles and in re-creating the music live on the stage.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respective
Cite this Entry
“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
respective
adjective
re·spec·tive
ri-ˈspek-tiv
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes
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