respective

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

Synonyms of respective

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Examples of respective in a Sentence

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.
And then, after the war, moved most of them to their respective communities. — Hope McKenney, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026 The Athletic reported that during UEFA and Concacaf’s respective meetings, Infantino’s future leadership of FIFA was questioned. — Ali Rampling, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 The four films are told from each respective band member’s perspective, and Norton stars as the group’s manager Brian Epstein. — Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 The Kardashian sisters are famously close with each other and their respective kids. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for respective

Word History

First Known Use

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 6 Aug. 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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