DUTIFUL Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

dutiful

adjective

ˈdü-ti-fəl

Definition of dutiful

as in respectful

marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status the family showed a dutiful deference to their minister when he came to dinner

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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 dutiful There would be the dutiful once-a-year visit from Rebecca and the child. — Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026 Americans are accustomed to showing wide deference to senior military leaders, treating them as dutiful public servants rather than possible enablers of presidential lawlessness. — Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 Mercifully, a dutiful crab and a dim-witted seagull can pick up the slack. — Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026 The two are still polar opposites; Sally is a dutiful mother who bakes beautiful cakes and avoids men while Gillian is all about finding literal Chads on Tinder. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dutiful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dutiful

Adjective

The United States’ network of defense pacts is poised to get stronger as its allies get stronger, but only if rebalancing occurs with consent, foresight, and respectful treatment of partners.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
In a statement to The Times, Austin FC said it was committed to providing a welcoming, safe and respectful environment for all fans.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of 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 Feb. 2026
And many advocates are promoting a vision of public health that’s less dependent on mandates and appeals to authority, and more deferent to individuals’ beliefs.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2025

Definition of deferent

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duties

dutiful

dutifulness

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“Dutiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dutiful. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dutiful

adjective

Example Sentences

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