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.
Administrators are typically deferential to their own superiors, with whom they often identify.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
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
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
Despite his reputation for brusqueness, he made his proposal in a deferential manner.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Vocabulary lists containing deferential
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