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.
Wild horse tours provide an off-road, closer look at the free-roaming horses originally brought from Spain while maintaining a safe and respectful distance. Kate Lewis, New York Times, 19 June 2025 For many women, getting quality healthcare that’s accessible, affordable and respectful of their time and privacy can feel like a full-time job. Jess Cording, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 Asano suggested that tourists need to be more respectful when visiting Japan. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 One standout effort is the Return the Love initiative, a three-part video series promoting respectful tourism. Josh Rivera, USA Today, 18 June 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 30 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!