respective

1 of 2

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
Synonyms of respective
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
2
obsolete : partial, discriminative
respectiveness noun

respectiveness

2 of 2

noun

re·​spec·​tive·​ness
-tivnə̇s, 
-tēv- also -təv-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being respective

Synonyms of respective

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Adjective

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Examples of respective in a Sentence

Adjective it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Lines testing six or 10 pounds are bumped up to the next respective line class. — Tom Opre, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026 All of them failed and posted historically poor ratings in their respective time slots. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 Both sides finished second in their respective groups and enter Friday’s game with something to prove. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 To boot, both Muncys started Monday’s game playing third base and hitting seventh in their respective lineups, reaching base twice apiece. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for respective

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of respective was in 1597

Rhymes for respective

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Browse Nearby Words

respecting
respective
respectively
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Cite this Entry

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

respective

adjective
re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes

More from Merriam-Webster on respective

Nglish: Translation of respective for Spanish Speakers

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