respectful

adjective

re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl How to pronounce respectful (audio)
: 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.
In 2008, her father unsuccessfully ran against Barack Obama in the presidential election, but McCain and Obama maintained a cordial, respectful relationship. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 Bam Adebayo said there’s more to come for the reserved, respectful Stockholm, Sweden, native. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 Whether the two men can overcome an ugly 2024 election cycle and resume a respectful rapport for the benefit of Californians should become clearer when Trump surveys wildfire damage in Los Angeles County, possibly as soon as Friday. Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Continue to offer love to your stepdaughter, but do so while reinforcing what respectful behavior looks like. Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near respectful

Cite this Entry

“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respectful. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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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