defer to

verb

deferred to; deferring to; defers to
Synonyms of defer tonext
1
: to allow (someone else) to decide or choose something
You have more experience with this, so I'm going to defer to you.
deferring to the experts
2
defer to (something) : to agree to follow (someone else's decision, a tradition, etc.)
The court defers to precedent in cases like these.
He deferred to his parents' wishes.

Examples of defer to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
All 24 jurisdictions in the state deferred to the state health department for implementation, and none opted to develop a county-run program. — Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026 Petersen allegedly deferred to a male sergeant’s expertise on topics including firearms and internal affairs while dismissing Kennon’s expertise in other areas. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026 Padilla accused Soto-Martínez of engaging in a double standard, asking the council to defer to his wishes in his district while opposing efforts by his colleagues to establish no-encampment zones in their communities. — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Other rezoning requests in Charlotte Hendrick’s expansion Hendrick Motorsports’ rezoning petition to expand its complex at Papa Joe Hendrick Boulevard toward Morehead Road and Old Holland Road was deferred to next month. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defer to

Rhymes for defer to

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Browse Nearby Words

deferrization
defer to
defervesce
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Cite this Entry

“Defer to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defer%20to. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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