RESPECTIVE Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

respective

adjective

ri-ˈspek-tiv

Definition of respective

as in different

not the same or shared it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways

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 respective The case is ongoing with Dawson (Loyola) and White (KU) practicing with their respective teams. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026 Kaivan Shroff, a politics and culture commentator, said both candidates are trying to appeal to voters beyond their political bases without fully embracing the figures and positions associated with their respective movements. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026 The Kiko Kostadinov x Asics Lyasa FF II shoe, which retails for $230, is now available on both brand’s respective websites. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 Kiplimo, Feysa, Hug and Scaroni all won their respective divisions. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for respective

Adjective

Disney — also profitable — has made three rounds of layoffs in 2026 across different parts of the business.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
In reality, both objects orbit the star in the same direction, just at different, changing speeds.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of different

Adjective

Corniel’s new settlement does not resolve separate wrongful death claims brought on behalf of Drakeo’s young son, Caiden Caldwell, by the child’s guardian.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026
Matt Schnaars, president of platform distribution and partnerships for NBCUniversal, reinforced Shapiro’s observations in a separate session.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of separate

Browse Nearby Words

respecting

respective

respectively

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respective. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of respective

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

fervid

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes