DEFERENT Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

deferent

adjective

ˈde-fə-rənt

Definition of deferent

as in respectful

marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status though he's already attained star status, the rookie remains deferent to the team's veteran players

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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 deferent The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle. — Carlie Procell, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026 And many advocates are promoting a vision of public health that’s less dependent on mandates and appeals to authority, and more deferent to individuals’ beliefs. — ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2025 The men were expected to be compliant, deferent to the CEO, resilient and tough. — Kirsten Garbini, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2021

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deferent

respectful

Adjective

The messages, reviewed by Semafor, were heated but respectful.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
There, the esteemed man himself answers the respectful but probing questions of journalists.

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of respectful

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deference

deferent

deferential

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“Deferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deferent. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deferent

adjective

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