respectfulness

noun

as in deference

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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 respectfulness People considered other traits – such as loyalty, reliability, respectfulness and being there in times of need – to be much more important. — Athena Aktipis, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectfulness
  1. deference
  2. humility
  3. submissiveness
  4. meekness
  5. modesty
Noun
  • In Asia, most markets carry a strong tradition of hierarchy and deference to leadership.
    — Ryoji Sekido, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Jeff Bezos is one of the richest men in the world, so he’s used to being treated with certain deference and most doors being open to him.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of deference
Noun
  • Creating value now requires curiosity, humility and learning agility.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Modern psychology calls the willingness to reconsider our assumptions intellectual humility.
    — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of humility
Noun
  • Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of submissiveness
Noun
  • The third revealed meekness as spiritual strength – the willingness to let God lead thought and action.
    — Liesl Ehmke, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And Jesus' answer is one takes it through meekness, peacemaking, humility, love, etc.
    — Jason DeRose, NPR, 26 May 2026
Definition of meekness
Noun
  • With a silhouette that hugs your thighs before lightly flaring at the ankles, this pants fit offers warmth, modesty, and elegance.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In some rooms, the tubs are in the midst of the living area, which cuts into modesty a bit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of modesty

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Cite this Entry

“Respectfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectfulness. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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