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 deferent 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 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, 19 Apr. 2023 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
  • Shields appeared on Million Dollaz Worth Of Game and initially tried to be respectful.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Although there are many pop culture elements of this movie that may feel universal—the teens going absolutely bananas for their favorite pop stars, for instance—the clothing and some elements of the plot, including those which reference mythology, are respectful nods to Korean culture.
    Miranda Rake, Parents, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deferent. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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