deferred

adjective

de·​ferred di-ˈfərd How to pronounce deferred (audio)
1
: withheld for or until a stated time
a deferred payment
2
: charged in cases of delayed handling
telegraphs sent at deferred rates

Examples of deferred in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The United Nations' World Health Organization, which works with Israeli authorities and oversees logistics for medical evacuations, deferred comment to Israel. Jane Arraf, NPR, 20 June 2025 Lawmakers set aside $248 million for special education costs, $115 million for deferred maintenance in public higher education, and $100 million to expand capacity and accommodate additional career technical education school opportunities. Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025 It has been neglected, with much deferred maintenance. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025 In memos sent to employees on Monday (June 9), NASA officials announced the rollout of a new early retirement and deferred resignation program that aims to cut positions from the space agency dramatically. Tariq Malik, Space.com, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for deferred

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of defer entry 1

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deferred was in 1651

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Cite this Entry

“Deferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deferred. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

deferred

adjective
de·​ferred
di-ˈfərd
: withheld or delayed for or until a stated time
a deferred payment
deferred prosecution

More from Merriam-Webster on deferred

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