most respectful

ADJECTIVE

courteous, mannerly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admiring appreciative civil considerate deferential gracious humble obedient polite reverent reverential self-effacing well-mannered

WEAK

courtly duteous dutiful obeisant recognizing regardful regarding solicitous submissive upholding venerating

Antonyms

STRONGEST

discourteous disobedient disrespectful impolite inconsiderate insolent mean rude unkind unmannerly unrefined

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

School principal Kevin Cooley described his pupil as "the most respectful young man you could ever meet".

From BBC • May 17, 2025

He is one of the most respectful, competent, kind, empathetic persons I have encountered in this city.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2023

“That felt the most respectful way to go forward,” Zellweger says, “was to not stray too far from what she herself put on the record.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2022

Please let me know if I’m being dense either way; I want to do whatever is the most respectful option.

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2020

I was standing at the head of the table shaking the principal’s hand, when Papa rose, his face ceremoniously grave, and acknowledged the other parents with his most respectful gesture.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston