DEFERENTIAL Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

deferential

adjective

ˌde-fə-ˈren-chəl

Definition of deferential

as in respectful

marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status the man had the deferential attitude of someone who had been a servant his entire life

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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 deferential To see a 17-year-old saying this in a culture like India, where the very young are sort of deferential, is remarkable. — Richard Hall, Time, 28 July 2026 And his answer was deferential to another candidate from the New York Yankees. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 But looked at another way, Caine and other generals are being overly timid and deferential, in part because Pete Hegseth demands it. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 The biggest question might be if Maxey becomes too deferential to the detriment of the 76ers. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deferential

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deferential

Adjective

Name the goal, define the next step, and keep the tone direct but respectful.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
Interactions between teachers and students and among students should be respectful, calm, and comfortable.

— Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of respectful

Adjective

The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle.

— Carlie Procell, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
And many advocates are promoting a vision of public health that’s less dependent on mandates and appeals to authority, and more deferent to individuals’ beliefs.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2025

Definition of deferent

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deferential

deferentially

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“Deferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deferential. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of deferential

adjective

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