deferral

noun

de·​fer·​ral di-ˈfər-əl How to pronounce deferral (audio)
: the act of delaying : postponement

Examples of deferral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained him in Indianapolis during a routine check-in required after obtaining a temporary deferral of deportation. Lluvia Gaucin, IndyStar, 26 Aug. 2025 That catch-up limit is $11,250 for workers aged 60 to 63 in 2025, which brings the max deferral cap to $34,750 for these investors. Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025 Pension payment deferral: CPS pushes a $175 million municipal pension fund payment onto the city. Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025 Misaligned leadership teams cost organizations in three critical ways: Slow Decision-Making When functions operate in silos, key initiatives get trapped in endless loops of discussion, deferral, or conflicting directives. Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deferral

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deferral was in 1865

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Cite this Entry

“Deferral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deferral. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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