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Showing results for defer. Search instead for deferm.
Definitions

defer

[dih-fur] / dɪˈfɜr /
VERB
hold off, put off
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adjourn delay extend hold up postpone prolong set aside shelve stall suspend waive
STRONG
block detain hinder impede intermit lengthen obstruct procrastinate prorogue protract remit retard slow stay table
WEAK
give rain check hang fire lay over put on back burner put on hold put on ice
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance allow carry out continue do expedite forward further maintain shorten
STRONG
abbreviate aid assist encourage facilitate help let go promote push support
WEAK
force forge hasten hurry
VERB
yield
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adjust admit agree bow submit
STRONG
accede accommodate acquiesce adapt assent buckle capitulate cave comply concede cringe fawn knuckle kowtow obey succumb truckle
WEAK
give in to knuckleunder
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dispute dissent fight refuse
STRONG
deny disagree disarrange disobey protest reject
WEAK
advance expedite force forge forward hasten hurry

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.

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

From Slate • Mar. 21, 2026

“When clients defer to AI, it may prompt advisers to question the value of their human contribution.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

"Our coaches will defer to the statement that was put out," Stefanski said, referring to a Falcons statement saying the team was "aware" of the incident and gathering more information.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 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

“Maybe tomorrow. Maybe never. I think I’ll wait and see if I get into Yale first. If I do and they let me defer a year, she probably won’t be as upset.”

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.