DEFER Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'defer' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of defer are postpone , stay , and suspend . While all these words mean "to delay an action or proceeding," defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time. // deferred buying a car until spring

Q: When could 'postpone' be used to replace 'defer'?

While in some cases nearly identical to defer , postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time. // the game is postponed until Saturday

Q: When is it sensible to use 'stay' instead of 'defer'?

While the synonyms stay and defer are close in meaning, stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority. // the governor stayed the execution

Q: Where would 'suspend' be a reasonable alternative to 'defer'?

The words suspend and defer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied. // business will be suspended while repairs are underway

defer

verb

di-ˈfər

Definition of defer next

as in to postpone

to assign to a later time we agreed to defer a discussion of the issue until we had more information

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word defer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of defer are postpone, stay, and suspend. While all these words mean "to delay an action or proceeding," defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time.

deferred buying a car until spring

When could postpone be used to replace defer?

While in some cases nearly identical to defer, postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time.

the game is postponed until Saturday

When is it sensible to use stay instead of defer?

While the synonyms stay and defer are close in meaning, stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority.

the governor stayed the execution

Where would suspend be a reasonable alternative to defer?

The words suspend and defer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied.

business will be suspended while repairs are underway

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of defer Decisions get deferred in the name of inclusion or further exploration. —

Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 But amid vociferous community pushback at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, councilmembers deferred the move until a more collaborative agreement can be reached. —

Devan Patel, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026 The Board of Commissioners deferred action until at least next week to seek legal advice. —

Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026 The city deferred comment on the case to CMPD, which also declined to comment. —

Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defer

Verb

Snow cancellations and delays may be nothing new for the Northeast, but this weekend, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida were among the states that have seen big events canceled or postponed due to frigid temperatures.

— Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Israel has repeatedly postponed reopening the crossing, signaling it would not open until the bodies of all the hostages were recovered.

— Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 31 Jan. 2026