Synonyms of deferential

deferential

adjective

ˌde-fə-ˈren-chəl 

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

• respectful
• deferent
• regardful
• dutiful
• polite
• reverent
• gracious
• civil
• reverential
• worshipful
• obsequious
• servile
• sycophantic
• fawning
• courteous
• subservient
• hagiographic
• venerating
• kowtowing
• toadying
• genuflecting
• groveling
• kid-glove
• kid-gloved

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disrespectful
• offensive
• abusive
• insulting
• demeaning
• derogatory
• contemptuous
• undutiful
• disparaging
• scornful
• irreverent
• impudent
• insolent
• rude
• depreciatory
• depreciative
• discourteous
• uncivil
• belittling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deferential

In an unusually deferential gesture for this bad-boy artist, Gagosian’s checklist states that Wolfson used the photo with the permission of the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Throughout his opinion, Carter repeatedly described the deferential standard of review judges are obligated to follow under the Federal Arbitration Act. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Playing an acoustic guitar, Martin delivered a surprise number that was both self-deprecating and deferential to two great Australians, the late cricketing great Shane Warne and Farnham. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026

Vicki’s expectation of deferential treatment is honestly hard to comprehend. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026