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Synonyms

deference

American  
[def-er-uhns] / ˈdɛf ər əns /

noun

  1. respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.

  2. respectful or courteous regard.

    in deference to his wishes.


deference British  
/ ˈdɛfərəns /

noun

  1. submission to or compliance with the will, wishes, etc, of another

  2. courteous regard; respect

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nondeference noun

Etymology

Origin of deference

1640–50; < French déf érence, Middle French, equivalent to defer ( er ) to defer 2 + -ence -ence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Out of misguided deference to supposed victims, they have been largely aiming their ire in the wrong direction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

Plus, she has a trad wife thing going on, emphasizing her deference to her husband’s decisions.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

There were, though, some concerns expressed about those conventions — and a sense from some that for too long custom had been the midwife of deference and that must change.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

It was the first time in nearly four centuries that a senior British royal was placed under arrest, and it underscored how deference to the monarchy has eroded in recent years.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

In deference to his bosses, Theo hangs the more traditional paintings on the ground floor, and the modern paintings on the entresol.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman