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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 respectful
Her crew is just the most respectful, hard workers.
—
Jordan Greene, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Additionally, teachers need to establish guidelines that encourage open yet respectful discussion in the classroom — safe spaces for dialogue, where racial topics can be explored without fear of backlash or embarrassment.
—Anne Tapp Jaksa, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2025
The way to progress is by respectful discussion based in evidence.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
As part of a nationwide movement fostering respectful, cross-partisan dialogue, Braver Angels provides a space for community members to engage in meaningful conversations beyond the headlines.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Jordan Greene, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Additionally, teachers need to establish guidelines that encourage open yet respectful discussion in the classroom — safe spaces for dialogue, where racial topics can be explored without fear of backlash or embarrassment.
—Anne Tapp Jaksa, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2025
The way to progress is by respectful discussion based in evidence.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
As part of a nationwide movement fostering respectful, cross-partisan dialogue, Braver Angels provides a space for community members to engage in meaningful conversations beyond the headlines.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respectful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectful
Adjective
-
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 Nov. 2024
-
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,
19 Apr. 2023
Adjective
-
Wear old clothes and shoes Bring flashlights Watch for sharp objects Avoid food waste Wash your hands Be polite and cooperate if you are asked to leave The Fresno Bee 559-441-6005 Fernanda Galan covers Central Valley and California news as The Fresno Bee’s service journalism reporter.—
Fernanda Galan,
Sacbee.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Which felt like a polite way of saying the same thing.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The learning process for me over the course of the first two years was to not be as reverent of the original.—
Rick Porter,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The Sundance online platform has allowed for a more democratic festival experience (feature film tickets cost $35) when stacked against its peer events, which are reverent to theaters only and in less accessible locations.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The Senate unanimously confirmed Haugh to his post in December 2023, and Republicans and Democrats alike were broadly deferential to him during his marathon testimony last month before the House and Senate intelligence committees.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Newsom’s deferential tone toward far-right guests like Charlie Kirk and Michael Savage—including agreeing with Kirk’s stance on banning transgender athletes from women’s sports—has alienated progressive allies and LGBTQ+ advocates, undermining his reputation as a champion of LGBTQ+ rights[1][7][9].—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectful. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share