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 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 It’s taken me a long time to kind of let go of being deferential, that someone else knows better. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2026 Courts generally provide a highly deferential review to private associations in their application of rules, especially those empowered by a CBA. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deferential

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deferential

Adjective

The key is to research nearby options before showing up with your dog — and be respectful once you and your dog arrive, according to Beth Miller, founder of Wagtown, a nonprofit that works with communities to become more dog friendly.

— Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
People from different cultures often have fundamentally different assumptions about what makes advice helpful, respectful, and supportive.

— Krishna Savani, Harvard Business Review, 3 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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deferent

deferential

deferentially

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“Deferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deferential. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of deferential

adjective

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