deferential

adjective

def·er·en·tial | \ˌde-fə-ˈren-chəl

Definition of deferential

: showing or expressing respect and high regard due a superior or an elder : showing or expressing deference listened with deferential attention to his grandfather deferential to the judge's decision

Other Words from deferential Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about deferential

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Synonyms & Antonyms for deferential

Synonyms

deferent, dutiful, regardful, respectful

Antonyms

disrespectful, undutiful

Examples of deferential in a Sentence

the man had the deferential attitude of someone who had been a servant his entire life

Recent Examples on the Web

And the public is already inclined to believe that Republicans are too deferential to polluters. — Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "The EPA Is Hiding Proof That a Widely Used Chemical Causes Leukemia: Report," 6 July 2018 Some women’s groups, including the Hollywood activist group Time’s Up, accused the Democrat of being too deferential to Weinstein and too dismissive of his accusers. — Washington Post, "Officials: Weinstein to surrender in sexual misconduct probe," 26 May 2018 Stone is a yes-sir, no-sir senior with a deferential smile. — Michael Farber, SI.com, "Mark Moseley, Last of the Straight-On Kickers," 2 July 2018 The cover-up The movie shows how a posse of former Camelot men, including ex-defense secretary Robert McNamara and JFK speechwriter Ted Sorensen, help contain the scandal, boss around deferential local cops and school Teddy in Cover-Up 101. — Maria Puente, USA TODAY, "Chappa-what? Everything you should know about Ted Kennedy and the 'Chappaquiddick' movie," 4 Apr. 2018 Even places hostile to L.G.B.T.Q. locals are often deferential to visitors. — Tanya Mohn, New York Times, "An L.G.B.T.Q. Guide to Traveling Safely Abroad," 21 June 2018 Some women’s groups, including the Hollywood activist group Time’s Up, accused the Democrat of being too deferential to Weinstein and too dismissive of his accusers. — Washington Post, "Officials: Weinstein to surrender in sexual misconduct probe," 26 May 2018 On the whole, Republicans in Congress are still deferential to Trump, but this week was notable for just how many of them felt compelled to speak out against the president on different issues. — Amber Phillips, Washington Post, "Republicans broke with Trump a lot more than usual this week," 8 June 2018 Since his return to Cleveland, James, as the de facto head of the franchise, has made clear his preference for being surrounded by teammates who are finished products and/or deferential to him. — Mike Sielski, Philly.com, "LeBron James to the Sixers? Two big factors make it unlikely | Mike Sielski," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deferential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.