defer

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.

Federal law is entirely silent on this; the only federal statutes that govern the receipt of mail ballots explicitly defer to states’ decisions about deadlines.

From Slate • Mar. 21, 2026

After not getting a single offer to study medicine, 20-year-old Victoria Chitongo, from London, was urged by teachers to apply for other courses, like bio-medical sciences, rather than defer.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Leaders don’t get power if they don’t maneuver; but they misuse their power if they don’t also defer to the reality principle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

"Our coaches will defer to the statement that was put out," Stefanski said, referring to a Falcons statement saying the team was "aware" of the incident and gathering more information.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

They try to make this monthly visit informal—everyone wearing civilian clothes, though they all defer to the Gestapo captain as if he were the King of England.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein