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deference

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of deference

a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others

  • the sycophantic deference with which the hotel treats celebrity guests
Synonyms of deference

acquiescence, biddability, compliance, compliancy, docility, obedience, submissiveness
Words Related to deference

amenability, amiability, complaisance, good-naturedness

obsequiousness, servility, slavishness, subservience, subserviency

conformity

cooperativeness, receptiveness, receptivity

humoring, indulgence

acceptance, assent, consent

capitulation, submission, surrender

affability, amicability, congeniality, cordiality, friendliness, geniality, sociability
Near Antonyms of deference

animosity, antipathy, enmity, hostility, ill will
Antonyms of deference

defiance, disobedience, intractability, recalcitrance

Synonym Discussion of deference

honor, homage, reverence, deference mean respect and esteem shown to another. honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition.
    • the nomination is an honor
homage adds the implication of accompanying praise.
    • paying homage to Shakespeare
reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe.
    • great reverence for my father
deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence.
    • showed no deference to their elders

Learn More about deference

  1. See words that rhyme with deference Dictionary: Definition of deference Spanish Central: Translation of deference Nglish: Translation of deference for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of deference for Arabic speakers

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