as in respectful
marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status
though he's already attained star status, the rookie remains deferent to the team's veteran players
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Recent Examples of deferent
The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle.
—
Carlie Procell, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
And many advocates are promoting a vision of public health that’s less dependent on mandates and appeals to authority, and more deferent to individuals’ beliefs.
—ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2025
The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle.
—Carlie Procell, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024
Curiously, the Biden administration sees it this way, too, but still takes a stance deferent to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s fierce advocacy for it and opposition to U.S. sanctions that would target European companies and individuals involved in its construction.
—Jimmy Quinn, National Review, 20 July 2021
The men were expected to be compliant, deferent to the CEO, resilient and tough.
—Kirsten Garbini, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2021
Carlie Procell, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
And many advocates are promoting a vision of public health that’s less dependent on mandates and appeals to authority, and more deferent to individuals’ beliefs.
—ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2025
The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle.
—Carlie Procell, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024
Curiously, the Biden administration sees it this way, too, but still takes a stance deferent to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s fierce advocacy for it and opposition to U.S. sanctions that would target European companies and individuals involved in its construction.
—Jimmy Quinn, National Review, 20 July 2021
The men were expected to be compliant, deferent to the CEO, resilient and tough.
—Kirsten Garbini, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deferent
respectful
Adjective
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In your 3rd House of Communication, the unconscious Moon trines auspicious Jupiter in your 7th House of Partnerships, guiding firm, respectful agreements that keep commitments realistic.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
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The veteran agent from CAA Sports no doubt would have preferred to manage this behind the scenes in a careful and respectful manner with Yzerman.—
Pierre LeBrun,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deferent. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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