deferential

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.

But he added an "overly deferential" approach to engaging with them would "almost inevitably creates political challenges or missed positive opportunities".

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

"He was intensely serious but showed flashes of humour. He encouraged debate although his officers were deferential," Pike wrote in a 2019 book.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

Fully autonomous driving will worsen traffic conditions for a time, he argues, introducing cars that will be too deferential and unable to coordinate with other drivers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025

So the collaborative feel of “Mr. Scorsese,” which often tips toward the deferential, is not surprising.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025

The southerners, by contrast, were downright deferential in normal circumstances, stepping aside with more than nine feet to go.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell