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

Federal law is entirely silent on this; the only federal statutes that govern the receipt of mail ballots explicitly defer to states’ decisions about deadlines.

From Slate • Mar. 21, 2026

Her home, health and car insurance have all increased, as has her mortgage, but she can’t defer her student loan payments because she must stay current on them to obtain public service loan forgiveness.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

Leaders don’t get power if they don’t maneuver; but they misuse their power if they don’t also defer to the reality principle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

The group seemed to naturally defer to her as the leader.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro