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 next

as in to postpone

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Clarke's cause of death is deferred, the medical examiner's office said on its website. —

Charmaine Patterson, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 Commissioner Jessica Vasquez requested the AI proposal be deferred, likely putting off consideration for at least one month. —

A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026 But developing what is in place and deferring the pick to another draft could set up a better future. —

Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026 Apparently Mejia agreed to abandon her call for a vote during a second, shorter recess, after Culpepper asked why the Council was being asked to vote on a resolution on the minority benefit language rather than defer action on a hearing order, given that Worrell had asked for a hearing. —

Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for defer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defer

Verb

Adding to the fire is Landry's move to postpone the House primaries in the nationwide redistricting battle -- even as absentee ballots had been returned -- while keeping the Senate race on May 16.

— Gaby Vinick, ABC News, 16 May 2026
Due to heavy rains and high water levels in the Fox River in late April, the Fox Valley Park District postponed the event, set for April 25 in order to celebrate Earth Day, to May 16.

— David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026