Synonyms of deference

deference

noun

ˈde-fə-rən(t)s 

as in obedience

a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others

the sycophantic deference with which the hotel treats celebrity guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obedience
• acquiescence
• submissiveness
• docility
• assent
• compliancy
• compliance
• humoring
• subservience
• complaisance
• obsequiousness
• biddability
• receptivity
• servility
• subserviency
• receptiveness
• acceptance
• slavishness
• consent
• amenability
• amiability
• conformity
• surrender
• friendliness
• cordiality
• indulgence
• cooperativeness
• geniality
• capitulation
• submission
• sociability
• affability
• amicability
• good-naturedness
• congeniality

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• defiance
• disobedience
• hostility
• animosity
• recalcitrance
• enmity
• antipathy
• intractability
• ill will

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun deference differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deference are homage, honor, and reverence. While all these words mean "respect and esteem shown to another," deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence.

showed no deference to their elders

In what contexts can homage take the place of deference?

The words homage and deference can be used in similar contexts, but homage adds the implication of accompanying praise.

paying homage to Shakespeare

When is honor a more appropriate choice than deference?

The words honor and deference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When might reverence be a better fit than deference?

The synonyms reverence and deference are sometimes interchangeable, but reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe.

great reverence for my father

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deference

The prospect of overcoming judicial deference to an arbitration award is an important and often overlooked factor. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 June 2025

The Thunder do not claim that championship, which also might be out of deference to stealing into the night out of Seattle and perhaps also out of deference to the looming likelihood of an impending NBA return to Seattle. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025

Go deeper: Trump's deference to Putin stunned European leaders on call Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting. —Stephen Neukam, Axios, 21 May 2025

Yes, the Heat often bypass offensive rebounds in deference to defensive transition. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025

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