as in deferent
marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status
the children were remarkably respectful while in the president's office
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Recent Examples of respectful
My son’s friend is an exemplary young man — polite and respectful in all ways except one.
—
Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 9 May 2026
Reaction to Vi Lyles’ announcement Thursday was largely respectful and reflective, with many current and former political leaders praising her long tenure and describing her as a stabilizing presence in Charlotte government.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
If an entity is not accountable, respectful demand correspondence must go out immediately.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Issues in Minimizing Harm One of the primary ways communication industries can minimize harm is to be respectful of people’s privacy.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 9 May 2026
Reaction to Vi Lyles’ announcement Thursday was largely respectful and reflective, with many current and former political leaders praising her long tenure and describing her as a stabilizing presence in Charlotte government.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
If an entity is not accountable, respectful demand correspondence must go out immediately.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Issues in Minimizing Harm One of the primary ways communication industries can minimize harm is to be respectful of people’s privacy.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectful
Adjective
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The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
25 Feb. 2026
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And many advocates are promoting a vision of public health that’s less dependent on mandates and appeals to authority, and more deferent to individuals’ beliefs.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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My son’s friend is an exemplary young man, polite and respectful in all ways except one.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
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My son’s friend is an exemplary young man — polite and respectful in all ways except one.—
Jacobina Martin,
Washington Post,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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One party controlling the government, with a popular president of that party, may have a Congress more deferential to the president than one of divided government.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
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And so, when James Harden walked toward the Raptors’ bench during a timeout in the Cavaliers’ 125-120 win, the Raptors were no longer impressed or deferential.—
Eric Koreen,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Breakfast included, indoor fireplace, backyard, desert views Found on Navajo land in Arizona, Shash Dine’ draws visitors thanks to its stargazing opportunities, as well as its reverent efforts to keep indigenous culture and tradition alive.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2026
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In the sumptuousness of the bibliophile’s parlor, studying Black history occasioned reverent, joyous gatherings.—
Laura E. Helton,
Literary Hub,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectful. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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