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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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 Throughout his opinion, Carter repeatedly described the deferential standard of review judges are obligated to follow under the Federal Arbitration Act. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Playing an acoustic guitar, Martin delivered a surprise number that was both self-deprecating and deferential to two great Australians, the late cricketing great Shane Warne and Farnham. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026 Vicki’s expectation of deferential treatment is honestly hard to comprehend. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 Carefully deferential to the star, Parton carved out a foothold for herself. — Rj Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deferential

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deferential

Adjective

These sources are confident the deal will be completely finalised soon but are respectful of the CSD's processes and timelines.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Safety measures should be unobtrusive, effective and respectful.

— Joe Fleckenstein, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 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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deferent

deferential

deferentially

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“Deferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deferential. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deferential

adjective

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