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

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Recent Examples of deference The panel pointed to a Supreme Court decision in a 2024 case known as Loper Bright, which overturned Chevron deference that gave deference to government agencies on regulations. —

Angrej Singh, Axios, 3 Jan. 2025 The players could have gambled that, with new U.S. Supreme Court precedent instructing courts to give less deference to agencies, a court would take an appeal on the ULP even if the NLRB rejected the representation petition. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Dec. 2024 The end of Chevron deference to federal agencies may help businesses, universities and public interest groups in immigration lawsuits during a second Trump administration should officials enact policies like those in the first term. —

Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 In the end, dictators tap into something essential in human nature—the deference before a bully. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deference