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 Burroughs said implementing an administrative stay and deferring ruling on the postponement gives both sides time to file briefs on the emergency motion. —

Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026 Burroughs said implementing an administrative stay and deferring ruling on the postponement gives both sides time to file briefs on the emergency motion. —

ABC News, 13 Mar. 2026 In an announcement last month, NASA officials announced major changes to its Moon program, pushing the first lunar landing attempt from Artemis 3 to Artemis 4 — and deferring the plan to land astronauts on the Earth’s natural satellite from 2027 to some time in 2028. —

Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 12 Mar. 2026 But there have also been recent moments when Eklund has deferred a bit too often, opting for an extra pass when a shot on net would have been the better option. —

Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defer

Verb

The judge had postponed her sentencing until after the trial, delaying it further until after Serafini was sentenced.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
The union encouraged members to remove personal belongings from the workplace, schedule any medical, dental or vision appointments, refill prescriptions with 90-day supplies and postpone major purchases or financial obligations until an agreement is reached.

— Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026