respectability

noun

Definition of respectabilitynext
as in morality

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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 respectability Only his father’s respectability, and perhaps his odd Motown accent, spared him from getting cussed out by bridesmaids at society weddings as a wastrel and drunkard, a shameless woman-wrapper. — Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026 Historically, social respectability has relied, remarkably often, on the discretion of others and the last resort of deniability. — Fern Schumer Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Critics online have described restrictions on du-rags and bonnets as respectability politics that unfairly target clothing associated with Black culture. — Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Standards are not automatically anti-Black Not every expectation set within a Black institution is respectability politics. — Tee Wilson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Taken together, the studies have increased the respectability of mitochondria as a wide-ranging, dynamic area of study. — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026 Theater artists who have come of age in this period have been released from the burden of having to conform to notions of regional theater respectability. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 For Democrats in the Florida Legislature, the long road back to respectability runs right along the Broward coastline. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026 Pamphlets detailing how goods were disinfected prior to sale shellacked an additional veneer of respectability onto the enterprise. — Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respectability
  1. morality
  2. decency
  3. nobility
  4. virtue
  5. fairness
  6. incorruptibility
  7. conscientiousness
  8. justice
Noun
  • On the other side, morality is supposed to protect people’s personal autonomy and freedom, even when others in their community dislike or disagree with their choices.
    — Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Fischer studies cultural anthropology, specializing in matters of economics and moralities.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of morality
Noun
  • And although Americans are attending church less frequently, there’s still a high degree of concern over morality and decency in the country – two qualities many people associate with organized religion.
    — Sophie Hills, Christian Science Monitor, 27 July 2026
  • The second half of The Perfect Moment is really centered on them, these four performance artists who sued the government over decency rules in funding and took it to the Supreme Court.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Definition of decency
Noun
  • The idea is to portray them with the same nobility and dignity as the figures of the great masters.
    — Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Along the way, Brees stared NFL QB nobility in the face and took each player down one by one.
    — Larry Holder, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of nobility
Noun
  • The virtue-signaling and pandering and gaslighting would end.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Germany’s Chancellor stood in the White House with the US President and extolled the virtues of hydrogen.
    — Sverre Alvik, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of virtue
Noun
  • Although there are fairness questions in using an eligibility rule negotiated by a league and union to exclude a prospective player who, because of the rule, can’t be a union member, labor law permits it.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout this challenging period, our faith in truth, fairness and the rule of law remained unwavering.
    — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of fairness
Noun
  • Building a reputation for trustworthiness and fairness through transparent actions and accountability also helps reinforce one’s incorruptibility.
    — Nancy Pulciano, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2026
  • While critics say these changes are merely cosmetic, many ordinary Bangladeshis have been sold on the veneer of incorruptibility that comes from a theological under-pinning.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of incorruptibility
Noun
  • Constructive anxiety often signals foresight, conscientiousness, and genuine commitment when outcomes are uncertain.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 30 July 2026
  • The Big Five traits are openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism.
    — Refractor, Refractor, 27 July 2026
Definition of conscientiousness
Noun
  • The incident raises alarms for Republican Baltimore County Delegate Kathy Szeliga, a critic of the state's juvenile justice system.
    — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In March 2026, Didulo’s and Manz’s charges for intimidation of a justice-system participant were shelved due to lack of evidence, though prosecutors have one year to refile.
    — Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of justice

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Cite this Entry

“Respectability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respectability. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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