deferential
adjective
def·er·en·tial
ˌde-fə-ˈren-chəl 
: 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
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
The joke was neither too harsh nor too deferential.
—
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Republican senators have largely been deferential to Kennedy.
—Elvia Limon - 09, The Hill, 7 Sep. 2025
The surroundings are deferential, completed by a group of friends enjoying conversation encouraged by physical comfort and a visual calm.
—Joseph Giovannini, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
The new additions are thoughtful and deferential, keeping the original intact to a great degree.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
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Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Republican senators have largely been deferential to Kennedy.
—Elvia Limon - 09, The Hill, 7 Sep. 2025
The surroundings are deferential, completed by a group of friends enjoying conversation encouraged by physical comfort and a visual calm.
—Joseph Giovannini, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
The new additions are thoughtful and deferential, keeping the original intact to a great degree.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deferential
Cite this Entry
“Deferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deferential. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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Medical Definition
deferential
adjective
def·er·en·tial
ˌdef-ə-ˈren-chəl
: deferent
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