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.

In habeas doctrine, the danger has always been that federal review becomes so deferential that even substantial constitutional claims are transformed into sterile questions of state-court reasonableness.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Until the 1960s, most broadcasting was dry and deferential.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 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

Ellison wanted to keep Sheridan in the fold but felt the previous regime was too deferential, a person familiar with his thinking said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

“Mary Anne, what do I have to do to make you have a more deferential attitude toward your parents?”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy