defer

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.

At his Senate confirmation hearing in November, Selig told senators he would defer to the courts on whether or not sports prediction markets should be regulated by the states as gambling.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Cheniere Energy indicated it might defer some maintenance at its plants in order to squeeze out more molecules.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

There is every indication that Congress wanted to defer to the states.

From Slate • Mar. 21, 2026

Humans often defer to AI because its calculating, unfeeling nature implies objective authority, ignoring the reality that AI knowledge learns from the past to predict the future.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

He was Howard Poillon, a hardheaded businessman who was determined to make the most of the corporation’s growing patent portfolio but also more willing to defer to Cottrell’s wishes and judgment on philanthropic matters.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik