defer to
verb
deferred to; deferring to; defers to
1
: to allow (someone else) to decide or choose something
You have more experience with this, so I'm going to defer to you.
deferring to the experts
2
defer to (something)
: to agree to follow (someone else's decision, a tradition, etc.)
The court defers to precedent in cases like these.
He deferred to his parents' wishes.
Examples of defer to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, when Slotkin pressed on why Cooper hasn't done so, especially amid rising gas prices rising for Americans, Cooper deferred to policymakers amid ongoing peace negotiations.
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CBS News, 14 May 2026
That tracks here — anyone stepping out on this issue by nature must be more open to considering issues on a standalone basis, considering their merits and the benefits to constituents first instead of deferring to the party line.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
The massive frame and comically long wingspan of Victor Wembanyama seemed to intimidate Randle, who spent most possessions either deferring to his teammates or forcing his own shot.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
Democrats who spoke with The Star, including two who were outside Union Station during the 2024 shooting, said they were disappointed by the charging decision but deferred to Johnson’s expertise.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defer to
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CBS News, 14 May 2026
That tracks here — anyone stepping out on this issue by nature must be more open to considering issues on a standalone basis, considering their merits and the benefits to constituents first instead of deferring to the party line.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
The massive frame and comically long wingspan of Victor Wembanyama seemed to intimidate Randle, who spent most possessions either deferring to his teammates or forcing his own shot.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
Democrats who spoke with The Star, including two who were outside Union Station during the 2024 shooting, said they were disappointed by the charging decision but deferred to Johnson’s expertise.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defer to
Cite this Entry
“Defer to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defer%20to. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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