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

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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 respective While their respective wardrobes might seem worlds apart, both share an appreciation for relaxed silhouettes and a certain devil-may-care attitude to getting dressed. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026 New Yorkers will also decide whether Democrats Kathy Hochul and Letitia James should each be elected to an additional term in their respective roles as governor and attorney general. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 In early October, RadarOnline claimed that the former American Idol judges reconnected after their respective divorces. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2026 After teasing the collab on their respective social channels earlier this week, the two have officially released their 37-piece collection—consisting of knits, jackets, and pants—in stores and online worldwide today. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for respective

Adjective

Kwan’s push to expand the family office’s geographical footprint correlates with global wealth flows, as HNWIs worldwide look to diversify their assets across different geographies.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The result offers researchers a different way to approach quantum material design.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of different

Adjective

Davis’s letter follows a separate ethics complaint filed by a conservative watchdog group to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics over Slotkin’s University of Chicago remarks, first reported by the Washington Examiner on Tuesday.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
Ticketmaster also faces a separate lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission and seven states.

— James LaForge, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of separate

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respecting

respective

respectively

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

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Synonyms of respective

adjective

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