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.

"The tech industry has been given deferential treatment - I think we're seeing that start to change."

From BBC • Jan. 26, 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

But it’s worth stressing the takeaway: Redford was always deferential to his leading women, all of whom bloomed and ached in his absence.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025

His face assumes a deferential expression and he gestures broadly toward an entrance on the opposite side.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen