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.
The whole montage was respectful and gracious, with a classical score, rather than a pop chipmunk warbling a sensitive ballad about dead people. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2025 There have also been plenty of playful florals, statement silhouettes and men’s brooches, though the devastation caused by LA’s wildfires has precipitated a noticeably more respectful, restrained approach. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025 With political discourse about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) regularly in the news cycle, respectful behavior that acknowledges the dignity of others, even in disagreement, seems to be more difficult than ever. Julie Kratz, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 Nods to previous films, among them Peter Jackson’s King Kong (2005) and Alex Garland’s Annihilation (2018), come off as plain theft rather than respectful allusion. Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respectful. Accessed 9 Mar. 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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