deferred

1 of 2

adjective

de·​ferred di-ˈfərd How to pronounce deferred (audio)
Synonyms of deferred
1
: withheld for or until a stated time
a deferred payment
2
: charged in cases of delayed handling
telegraphs sent at deferred rates

deferred

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of defer entry 1, defer entry 2

Examples of deferred in a Sentence

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Adjective
Years of deferred maintenance and funding fights led to a disastrous series of train delays and track fires in 2017 that came to be known as the Summer of Hell. — New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 When pension shortfalls, other post-employment benefits and deferred maintenance are properly counted, the true financial condition of Maryland and its local governments is far weaker than the official budget statements claim. — Judi Willard, Baltimore Sun, 27 Oct. 2026 Judge Andy Porter placed him under a term of deferred adjudication probation. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 As for the private sector, Khanmalek said many small landlords are being pushed underwater by deferred maintenance costs, with some selling to larger companies that have the money for repairs. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deferred

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from past participle of defer entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deferred was in 1651

Phrases Containing deferred

Rhymes for deferred

See All Rhymes for deferred

Browse Nearby Words

deferral
deferred
deferred bond
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deferred. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Legal Definition

deferred

adjective
de·​ferred
di-ˈfərd
: withheld or delayed for or until a stated time
a deferred payment
deferred prosecution

More from Merriam-Webster on deferred

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