Synonyms of defers

defers

verb

present tense third-person singular of defer

as in postpones

to assign to a later time

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• postpones
• delays
• waits
• remits
• shelves
• holds over
• suspends
• hesitates
• lays over
• pauses
• holds off (on)
• slows
• puts over
• stays
• puts off
• holds up
• prolongs
• lengthens
• detains
• extends
• retards
• stretches (out)
• protracts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• does
• works (on)
• acts
• deals (with)
• decides (upon)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defers

But holding back defers crucial conversations about goals, methods, and the limits of American aid. — Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026

Quinn defers on the proposal but starts seeing Oliver in their new setting, creating the love triangle. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 24 July 2026

While this strategic pivot defers short-term revenue and creates market uncertainty, with full returns anticipated by 2027, it's seen as a calculated gamble to build a larger future revenue stream and expand its competitive edge. — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700-million contract defers all but $2 million of his annual salary until after the contract expires. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

The agreement defers many of the hardest questions — including how to wind down Iran’s nuclear program — until the 60-day negotiation period for a final deal. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

White often has been tight-lipped regarding her players’ injuries and repeatedly defers questions to the medical staff, which isn’t allowed to speak publicly about players’ health. — James Boyd, New York Times, 23 May 2026

When one person defers financial control to another, power concentrates in one place. — Jillian Sanders, Time, 22 Apr. 2026

Postponing elections thus also defers possibilities for political transformation. — Jasmin Lilian Diab, The Conversation, 5 Apr. 2026