respectable
19 synonyms and 5 antonyms for respectable, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Regarded well by others; proper and decent in behavior or appearance.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use respectable
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From respect plus -able, meaning literally "worthy of respect."
Full origin of respectable →Frequently asked questions
What does “respectable” mean?
The word “respectable” means regarded well by others; proper and decent in behavior or appearance. In plain terms, decent and proper — either in reputation, or in the sense of "good enough to be taken seriously.".
How do you pronounce “respectable”?
“Respectable” is pronounced rih-SPEHK-tuh-bl ([ɹɪˈspɛk.tə.bl̩] in IPA).
How do you use “respectable” in a sentence?
Here is “respectable” used in a sentence: “She comes from a respectable family with no history of scandal.”
What is another word for “respectable”?
Words with a similar meaning to “respectable” include honorable, savory, admirable, commendable, allowable and creditable.
What is the opposite of “respectable”?
The opposite of “respectable” — its antonyms — are contemptible, disrespectable, despicable, unrespectable and unfamous.
What part of speech is “respectable”?
“Respectable” is an adjective.
Is “respectable” a common word?
“Respectable” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “respectable” have?
“Respectable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: regarded well by others; proper and decent in behavior or appearance.
What is the difference between "respectable" and "respectful"?
"Respectable" describes someone or something that is regarded well by others, proper and decent in behavior or appearance, or a fairly good result or amount. "Respectful" describes someone showing consideration, courtesy, and regard toward others, which is a distinct quality of behavior rather than reputation.
What does it mean to describe a result as "respectable"?
When a result, score, or amount is described as "respectable," it means it is fairly good in size, quality, or amount, decent though not outstanding. For example, a respectable salary is solidly acceptable without being exceptional.
Is "respectable" a formal word?
"Respectable" is commonly used in both formal and everyday English to describe behavior, appearance, or achievements that meet a decent standard of propriety or quality. It is not restricted to formal writing and appears frequently in casual conversation as well.