Synonyms of deferent

deferent

adjective

ˈde-fə-rənt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• respectful
• regardful
• deferential
• polite
• dutiful
• civil
• reverent
• worshipful
• gracious
• reverential
• servile
• obsequious
• venerating
• courteous
• sycophantic
• subservient
• fawning
• hagiographic
• kowtowing
• groveling
• toadying
• genuflecting
• kid-glove
• kid-gloved

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disrespectful
• offensive
• insulting
• abusive
• demeaning
• derogatory
• undutiful
• contemptuous
• disparaging
• impudent
• irreverent
• scornful
• rude
• insolent
• depreciatory
• depreciative
• discourteous
• uncivil
• belittling

Example Sentences

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 men were expected to be compliant, deferent to the CEO, resilient and tough. — Kirsten Garbini, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2021