DEFERENCE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'deference' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deference are homage , honor , and reverence . While all these words mean "respect and esteem shown to another," deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence. // showed no deference to their elders

Q: In what contexts can 'homage' take the place of 'deference'?

The words homage and deference can be used in similar contexts, but homage adds the implication of accompanying praise. // paying homage to Shakespeare

Q: When is 'honor' a more appropriate choice than 'deference'?

The words honor and deference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition. // the nomination is an honor

Q: When might 'reverence' be a better fit than 'deference'?

The synonyms reverence and deference are sometimes interchangeable, but reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe. // great reverence for my father

deference

noun

ˈde-fə-rən(t)s

Definition of deference next

as in obedience

a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others the sycophantic deference with which the hotel treats celebrity guests

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How does the noun deference differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deference are homage, honor, and reverence. While all these words mean "respect and esteem shown to another," deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence.

showed no deference to their elders

In what contexts can homage take the place of deference?

The words homage and deference can be used in similar contexts, but homage adds the implication of accompanying praise.

paying homage to Shakespeare

When is honor a more appropriate choice than deference?

The words honor and deference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition.

the nomination is an honor

When might reverence be a better fit than deference?

The synonyms reverence and deference are sometimes interchangeable, but reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe.

great reverence for my father

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 deference Courts continue to adjudicate but with growing deference on matters touching the regime’s ideological core. —

Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026 In deference to the Nvidia conference, which last March drew about 25,000 folks to downtown and took over many of the venues that Cinequest attendees usually frequent, the festival will pull up stakes and move to the Alamo Drafthouse in Mountain View starting March 14. —

Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026 At the same time, Warsh’s ability to use the chairmanship to command deference on the FOMC can only go so far. —

Jason Ma, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026 Together, the verdicts in these cases indicate prosecutors are focusing on a broader cast of defendants after a mass shooting — but juries so far seem more willing to grant deference to police than to the parents of shooters. —

Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deference

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deference

Noun

Fear Gets Results, Niceness Builds Loyalty Fear creates compliance and obedience.

— Kelly Ehlers, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2026
In democratic systems, coercive force does not generate obedience through strength alone.

— Robert Pape, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026