Synonyms of deferential

deferential

adjective

ˌde-fə-ˈren-chəl 

as in respectful

marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status

the man had the deferential attitude of someone who had been a servant his entire life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deferential

Courts generally provide a highly deferential review to private associations in their application of rules, especially those empowered by a CBA. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 June 2026

Moreover, kids who grow up with robots may have unrealistic expectations for social interactions if the machine is deferential. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 17 June 2026

The conservative Justices rewarded this strategy, rebuking not Alabama but the lower court for not being deferential enough to a state that had repeatedly demonstrated its determination to delay and obstruct. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Bashir admits to being deferential to the singer in order to obtain the best possible footage, and to hopefully encourage Jackson to answer some of his more difficult questions relating to earlier abuse allegations. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026