DEFER Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'defer' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of defer are postpone , stay , and suspend . While all these words mean "to delay an action or proceeding," defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time. // deferred buying a car until spring

Q: When could 'postpone' be used to replace 'defer'?

While in some cases nearly identical to defer , postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time. // the game is postponed until Saturday

Q: When is it sensible to use 'stay' instead of 'defer'?

While the synonyms stay and defer are close in meaning, stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority. // the governor stayed the execution

Q: Where would 'suspend' be a reasonable alternative to 'defer'?

The words suspend and defer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied. // business will be suspended while repairs are underway

defer

verb

di-ˈfər

Definition of defer

as in to postpone

to assign to a later time we agreed to defer a discussion of the issue until we had more information

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How is the word defer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of defer are postpone, stay, and suspend. While all these words mean "to delay an action or proceeding," defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time.

deferred buying a car until spring

When could postpone be used to replace defer?

While in some cases nearly identical to defer, postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time.

the game is postponed until Saturday

When is it sensible to use stay instead of defer?

While the synonyms stay and defer are close in meaning, stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority.

the governor stayed the execution

Where would suspend be a reasonable alternative to defer?

The words suspend and defer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied.

business will be suspended while repairs are underway

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 defer The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly commented on their investigation for weeks, deferring questions to the district attorney — who acknowledged the public’s frustration. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 Companies that have borrowed from private-credit firms are increasingly deferring cash interest, a potential sign of weakness in a corner of the economy that’s drawn warnings of a crunch. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 6 Aug. 2026 But holding back defers crucial conversations about goals, methods, and the limits of American aid. — Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026 In addition, opting for a simple immediate or deferred annuity may also help amplify income, the report states. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for defer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defer

Verb

One woman said her surgery had been postponed because of the network outage.

— Andrea Lucia, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Will County Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak postponed a hearing on the request in light of a Wednesday ruling from Judge Jennifer Lynch.

— Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of postpone

Verb

An Iranian military official said that Qatar has been delaying a probe into the fate of three pilots, whom Iran says have been held there for months, according to state media.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The opening of the Wynn Al Marjan Island has been delayed to September 2027.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of delay

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defensives

defer

deference

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“Defer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defer. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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