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

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 deference In those cases, a majority of the Supreme Court showed deference to Trump's firing power, at least on an interim basis, while the litigation plays out. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025 In deference to the late, great Ryne Sandberg, who died from acute prostate cancer this past July at 65, this column about the current Cubs-Padres Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field is for him. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025 For human rights advocates, Johnson’s reluctance to forcefully criticize Bukele at the time was a sign of his undue deference to the Salvadoran leader. T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025 Not to mention the emphasis on respect and deference to one's elders. Katherine Singh, Refinery29, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deference
Noun
  • Initially, bedtime stories tended to be moralistic tales designed to reinforce obedience and proper behavior.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • These intelligent dogs are highly active and energetic, but respond well to obedience training.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Would-be autocrats create environments of fear and powerlessness, using intimidation, overwhelming force or political and legal attacks, and other coercive tactics to force acquiescence and chill democratic pushback.
    Shelley Inglis, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Yet, the lesson of the Voting Rights Act is that the response to these setbacks isn’t despair or acquiescence.
    Time, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In Killers of the Flower Moon, his Ernest Burkhart starts off as a mopey, weak-minded World War One veteran, eager to do anything for his godfather uncle (Robert De Niro), but there’s still a certain likability to his dim-bulb submissiveness.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deference. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deference

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