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Synonyms

respectable

American  
[ri-spek-tuh-buhl] / rɪˈspɛk tə bəl /

adjective

  1. worthy of respect or esteem; estimable; worthy.

    a respectable citizen.

    Synonyms:
    honorable
  2. of good social standing, reputation, etc..

    a respectable neighborhood.

  3. suitable or good enough to be seen or used.

    respectable clothes; respectable language.

  4. of moderate excellence; fairly good; fair.

    a respectable performance.

    Synonyms:
    passable, middling
  5. appreciable in size, number, or amount.

    a respectable turnout.


respectable British  
/ rɪˈspɛktəbəl /

adjective

  1. having or deserving the respect of other people; estimable; worthy

  2. having good social standing or reputation

  3. having socially or conventionally acceptable morals, standards, etc

    a respectable woman

  4. relatively or fairly good; considerable

    a respectable salary

  5. fit to be seen by other people; presentable

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonrespectable adjective
  • nonrespectableness noun
  • nonrespectably adverb
  • prerespectable adjective
  • quasi-respectable adjective
  • quasi-respectably adverb
  • respectability noun
  • respectableness noun
  • respectably adverb
  • semirespectable adjective
  • superrespectable adjective
  • superrespectableness noun
  • superrespectably adverb
  • ultrarespectable adjective
  • ultrarespectableness noun
  • ultrarespectably adverb
  • unrespectable adjective

Etymology

Origin of respectable

First recorded in 1580–90; respect + -able

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.

Data published Thursday by the Commerce Department indicated respectable spending growth in October and November, gains that many economists think fed into a solid economic expansion over the final three months of 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investment in digital infrastructure to support artificial intelligence was partly responsible, as was respectable consumer-spending growth, boosted by greater outlays for healthcare.

From The Wall Street Journal

A local prefect once told me of his distaste at the thought that Orsoni could be profiting from his new stage to show a more respectable side.

From BBC

Keeping track of Good and Evil was exhausting, especially when Evil looked like such a respectable person.

From Literature

Ex-Norway forward Joshua King has a very respectable five goals against United, although neither of his two senior appearances for the club came in the league.

From BBC