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

The biggest question might be if Maxey becomes too deferential to the detriment of the 76ers. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026

It’s taken me a long time to kind of let go of being deferential, that someone else knows better. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2026

Courts generally provide a highly deferential review to private associations in their application of rules, especially those empowered by a CBA. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 June 2026

Moreover, kids who grow up with robots may have unrealistic expectations for social interactions if the machine is deferential. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 17 June 2026