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Definitions

deferential

[def-uh-ren-shuhl] / ˌdɛf əˈrɛn ʃəl /


Example Sentences

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He’s definitely being deferential to Woody, and yet he’s pushing him.

From Salon Jul. 5, 2026

“He could come across as self-effacing and deferential, but in Don’s skilled hands those were qualities that made him an enormously strong and effective leader,” Boccardi said.

From Los Angeles Times May 27, 2026

The justices are appointed by the Assembly, and are traditionally quite deferential to it.

From Slate Apr. 24, 2026

As the decades spooled past, British society would become less deferential and British media more intrusive.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 4, 2026

The youngest children tug his sleeves; the older ones are deferential.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr




Vocabulary lists containing deferential


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