deferentially

adverb

as in humbly
in a manner showing no signs of pride or self-assertion behaved deferentially when approaching someone in authority

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 deferentially Precedent thus gave the judge reason to deferentially review settlement terms. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026 Scorsese shoots them beautifully and deferentially. — Matt Weinstock, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026 Princess Bride is superbly planned and deferentially orchestrated — its theme fits its telling. — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deferentially
  1. humbly
  2. politely
  3. submissively
  4. meekly
  5. sheepishly
Adverb
  • This time, France is the favorite (no matter what their coach Didier Deschamps humbly claims).
    — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 14 July 2026
  • The restaurant from Yao and co-owners Ryan Bailey and Nikki Reginaldo began humbly, as did its beverage program.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
Definition of humbly
Adverb
  • This could leave you feeling confused whether you’re being praised, tested or politely managed.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The woman usually introduces herself politely and grabs a seat to listen to the whistle of hot water pouring from a thermos.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of politely
Adverb
  • Outwardly Smart behaved submissively, following her captors’ instructions while always looking for a way to escape.
    — KC Baker, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Definition of submissively
Adverb
  • When Luke tells him, meekly, not to touch Crystal, Max only wants to know who the young man is.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
  • Sincere meekly hands her a flower from his pocket and sits down, appearing penitent.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of meekly
Adverb
  • But their erotic encounter is short-lived, as Joe tumbles and blows his back out while sheepishly dancing to Sade.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • This is sending shivers down the spines of regular Democrats, who now sheepishly admit the party has been turned over to the left-wing loons.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
Definition of sheepishly

Browse Nearby Words

deferential
deferentially
deferment
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Cite this Entry

“Deferentially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deferentially. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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