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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 deferential
The entryway is grand and gilded, the staff deferential and efficient (and always greeting you by name), but flashes of modern style and edgy attitude save the place from seeming staid.
—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Bashir admits to being deferential to the singer in order to obtain the best possible footage, and to hopefully encourage Jackson to answer some of his more difficult questions relating to earlier abuse allegations.
—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 June 2026
Trump was notably out of character throughout his stay here, deferential to his host, marveling at displays of Chinese power and reticent to speak with the press.
—
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
One party controlling the government, with a popular president of that party, may have a Congress more deferential to the president than one of divided government.
—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deferential
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Bashir admits to being deferential to the singer in order to obtain the best possible footage, and to hopefully encourage Jackson to answer some of his more difficult questions relating to earlier abuse allegations.
—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 June 2026
Trump was notably out of character throughout his stay here, deferential to his host, marveling at displays of Chinese power and reticent to speak with the press.
—
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
One party controlling the government, with a popular president of that party, may have a Congress more deferential to the president than one of divided government.
—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deferential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deferential
Adjective
-
When asked specifically about religion, the models provide neutral, respectful replies, Wingate said.
-
Review a bill, then send a polite message that clarifies terms, because simple words protect value and invite respectful responses.
Adjective
-
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.
-
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.
Cite this Entry
“Deferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deferential. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
