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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Recent Examples of defer
However, Hutchins' cause of death has been deferred and the investigation is ongoing.
—
Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 16 July 2025
When important medical care is deferred because of cost, kids suffer.
—Rachel Pearson, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
What is a 60-year-old who has deferred his dreams in life?
—Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Non-grantor trusts may also be used to defer or avoid state income tax.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for defer
Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 16 July 2025
When important medical care is deferred because of cost, kids suffer.
—Rachel Pearson, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
What is a 60-year-old who has deferred his dreams in life?
—Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Non-grantor trusts may also be used to defer or avoid state income tax.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for defer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defer
Verb
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Residents should consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, and follow the same precautionary steps, like, drinking plenty of water and taking breaks indoors or under shade.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
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That includes Rosado’s tiebreaker vote in favor of postponing the upcoming November election to 2026 — a measure backed by the mayor — as well as Rosado’s vote to shutter the Bayfront Park Management Trust in January of next year.—
Tess Riski
July 21,
Miami Herald,
21 July 2025
Verb
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To understand why, consider what businesses stand to lose by delaying automation.—
Laurent Charpentier,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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No rain should delay either the sprint race or qualifying, but race day is a different story.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defer. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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