deferment

noun

de·​fer·​ment di-ˈfər-mənt How to pronounce deferment (audio)
: the act of delaying or postponing
specifically : official postponement of military service

Examples of deferment in a Sentence

She requested a six-month deferment on her loan. She requested deferment of her loan. the policies of military deferment
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.
The legislation reduces the chances for deferments or forbearance and imposes new limits on lending for students who are part-time. Jordan Green, The Tennessean, 8 July 2025 The legislation also reduces opportunities for deferments or forbearance and new limits on lending for part-time students. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 5 July 2025 Payments made under other IDR plans, as well as the Standard and Alternative repayment plans, and certain periods of deferment and forbearance, could count toward RAP loan forgiveness. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The Senate version of this bill removes economic hardships and unemployment deferments. Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for deferment

Word History

Etymology

defer entry 1 + -ment

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deferment was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deferment. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

deferment

noun
de·​fer·​ment di-ˈfər-mənt How to pronounce deferment (audio)
: the act of delaying

More from Merriam-Webster on deferment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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