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

In this age of tumultuous politics, and getting further and further away from the days of deference, and the queen no longer being there, people are rapidly losing interest. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

Not to mention the emphasis on respect and deference to one's elders. —Katherine Singh, Refinery29, 11 Sep. 2025

The central factor is the growing power asymmetry between China and India, and Beijing demanding deference within Asia—a hierarchy India resists. —Shyam Saran, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

This is a choice that New Delhi can and should make for its own reasons, not out of deference to Washington. —Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025

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