deferentially

adverb

as in humbly
in a manner showing no signs of pride or self-assertion behaved deferentially when approaching someone in authority

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 deferentially Precedent thus gave the judge reason to deferentially review settlement terms. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026 Scorsese shoots them beautifully and deferentially. — Matt Weinstock, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026 Princess Bride is superbly planned and deferentially orchestrated — its theme fits its telling. — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deferentially
  1. humbly
  2. politely
  3. submissively
  4. meekly
  5. sheepishly
Adverb
  • Related Stories Speaking to Variety on the red carpet at its London Film Festival premiere on Sunday, Garfield — who has been Oscar-nominated twice but never won — reacted humbly to the praise.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • And, as j-hope so humbly mentioned, the awards are just another milestone to add to what has already been a massive year for the group.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of humbly
Adverb
  • Can his anti-establishment, punk-rock spirit politely endure an attaboy from the man?
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • My New York neighbors barely said hello; in Singapore, a stranger would probably politely look away rather than risk embarrassing you.
    — Amanda Lee Koe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of politely
Adverb
  • Outwardly Smart behaved submissively, following her captors’ instructions while always looking for a way to escape.
    — KC Baker, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Definition of submissively
Adverb
  • Instead of going down meekly to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Milwaukee Brewers swept the National League Championship Series and are headed to the World Series.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The Brewers, of course, sealed the deal with two runs on three singles in the bottom of the eighth, and the Dodgers went meekly 1-2-3 in the ninth.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of meekly
Adverb
  • The hotel is home to the only Starbucks in Wailea so people—however sheepishly—flock here just for that.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Reluctantly, somewhat sheepishly, Van Lith wandered along the edge of the corn patch that August.
    — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of sheepishly

Browse Nearby Words

deferential
deferentially
deferment
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Cite this Entry

“Deferentially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deferentially. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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