deference

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.

"The handshake evolved very slowly as a mode of greeting and had no bearing on hat-honor as a gesture of deference," he says.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

The piece argues that Pratt showed sufficient composure and charm while displaying deference to moderators and occasionally yielding speaking time to Bass, though the article notes he occasionally lapsed into mockery and made unsubstantiated characterizations.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

He theorises that inequality exists in a nation founded on pro-black, pan-African principles because a deference for whiteness was hard-wired into the region, long before independence.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

It is reading a cold transcript under a regime of extreme deference, where a claim that feels powerful can still founder if the justices conclude that Mississippi’s reading of the record was at least reasonable.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

He was polished and soft- spoken, and treated Winnie with courtesy and deference.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela