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.

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

In general, the law is deferential to police, giving officers significant discretion to use force, making it difficult to hold them criminally or civilly liable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

She’s very deferential to him, clearly aiming for this goal of “OK, and I’ll take over.”

From Slate • Jan. 5, 2026

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

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell