Synonyms of defer

defer

verb

di-ˈfər 

as in to postpone

to assign to a later time

we agreed to defer a discussion of the issue until we had more information

Synonyms & Similar Words

• postpone
• delay
• wait
• put over
• remit
• shelve
• suspend
• put off
• hesitate
• lay over
• hold over
• hold off (on)
• hold up
• pause
• stay
• slow
• prolong
• lengthen
• detain
• retard
• stretch (out)
• extend
• protract

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• do
• work (on)
• act
• deal (with)
• decide (upon)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word defer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of defer are postpone, stay, and suspend. While all these words mean "to delay an action or proceeding," defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time.

deferred buying a car until spring

When could postpone be used to replace defer?

While in some cases nearly identical to defer, postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time.

the game is postponed until Saturday

When is it sensible to use stay instead of defer?

While the synonyms stay and defer are close in meaning, stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority.

the governor stayed the execution

Where would suspend be a reasonable alternative to defer?

The words suspend and defer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied.

business will be suspended while repairs are underway

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defer

Payments were automatically deferred for the first 24 to 30 months, with interest, during the period. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025

The agreement appears to essentially lock in the exemptions in perpetuity, requiring any future Ukrainian legislation to defer and yield to this international treaty. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

The city can achieve their highest statutory purpose, boost local jobs and the local economy, and address critical environmental needs — needs that will become more expensive if deferred. —Jim Peugh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025

The Air Force did not comment publicly on the plans, and the White House earlier Monday deferred all questions to the Air Force. —Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 19 May 2025

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