1
as in respected
having a good reputation especially in a field of knowledge
no respectable dietician would advise people to eat just one kind of food
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in honorable
following the accepted rules of moral conduct
cheating is not a respectable thing to do under any circumstances
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste
has the respectable manners of someone who was well brought up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in decent
of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards
the artwork that we commissioned from the muralist turned out to be respectable but was not quite what we had hoped for
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in considerable
sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention
got paid a respectable sum for speaking at our graduation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of respectable
His respectable rookie numbers may have signaled an upward trajectory, but the fifth-year tight end failed to record more than five catches in a season again until his return to Miami.
—
Tyler Carmona
june 10, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
Their unsightly displays on special teams and anemic offensive output left them with little to hang their hat on, especially since their respectable goals-against numbers often came at the expense of their attack.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 9 June 2026
These respectable, if not spectacular, targets helped Rivian save on battery costs and weight.
—ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026
This results in respectable, though not exceptional, fuel economy and just enough power to keep the Grand Highlander from feeling sluggish.
—New Atlas, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for respectable
Tyler Carmona
june 10, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
Their unsightly displays on special teams and anemic offensive output left them with little to hang their hat on, especially since their respectable goals-against numbers often came at the expense of their attack.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 9 June 2026
These respectable, if not spectacular, targets helped Rivian save on battery costs and weight.
—ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026
This results in respectable, though not exceptional, fuel economy and just enough power to keep the Grand Highlander from feeling sluggish.
—New Atlas, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for respectable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectable
Adjective
-
By Friday afternoon, solidarity for Meloni had poured in from across the government and political spectrum, and included a call from President Sergio Mattarella, Italy’s respected head of state.—
Nicole Winfield,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
-
By Friday afternoon, solidarity with Meloni had poured in from across the government and political spectrum, and included a call from President Sergio Mattarella, Italy’s widely respected head of state.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
And Florida passed only because one player made the honorable decision.—
David Mica,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Granger's intentions are honorable, and O'Donnell sparks his performance with life, making his tragic end that much more gutting.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Now the top of the list is alignment, which is a polite word for influence.—
Julie Averill,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
-
My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note.—
Daniel Ruetenik,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
There is still a decent spread amongst model guidance, but a track farther north would result in a better chance of severe weather, while a track farther south would lead to more general rain showers and thunderstorms.—
Trey Fulbright,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
Accompaniment assigns first priority to those in greatest need and those most likely to be left out of dignified and decent treatment.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
Three other vehicles were all stopped a short distance away, each of which also appeared to have sustained considerable damage, with at least two sets of air bags deployed.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
-
And the resounding manner of Burnham’s win – comprehensively defeating Reform weeks after Labour was routed in local elections – gives him considerable momentum too.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
What that should lead to is Gable defeating Penta, one of the greatest lucha libre stars of all-time, for the prestigious Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
The Life Ahead which represented a return to the screen for Ponti’s legendary mother, Sophia Loren who received Italy’s prestigious David di Donatello Award for Best Actress.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
An honest summary would still pass the buck to the voters on a grossly dishonest scheme, but at least the voters might recognize a description that doesn’t cajole, coax and mislead them.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2026
-
The partner who honors their own limits stays honest.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
In a post shared to Instagram on June 16, TSA advised newfound fans on the proper way to transport ranch dressing, a quintessential American flavor some soccer fans are experiencing for the first time.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
Honest, Houston In the proper hands, a chain restaurant is a glorious institution.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Respectable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectable. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
