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Definitions

defer

[dih-fur] / dɪˈfɜr /
VERB
hold off, put off
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adjourn delay extend hold up postpone prolong set aside shelve stall suspend waive
STRONG
block detain hinder impede intermit lengthen obstruct procrastinate prorogue protract remit retard slow stay table
WEAK
give rain check hang fire lay over put on back burner put on hold put on ice
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance allow carry out continue do expedite forward further maintain shorten
STRONG
abbreviate aid assist encourage facilitate help let go promote push support
WEAK
force forge hasten hurry
VERB
yield
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adjust admit agree bow submit
STRONG
accede accommodate acquiesce adapt assent buckle capitulate cave comply concede cringe fawn knuckle kowtow obey succumb truckle
WEAK
give in to knuckleunder
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dispute dissent fight refuse
STRONG
deny disagree disarrange disobey protest reject
WEAK
advance expedite force forge forward hasten hurry

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.

Asked about the progress of talks with Tehran in general, he deferred to U.S. negotiators.

From The Wall Street Journal

A primary rating concern is PIK debt, where borrowers defer cash payments.

From The Wall Street Journal

The tax due on deferred accounts will also affect your heirs.

From MarketWatch

The estimate is based on personal income tax withholding trends and includes cash bonuses paid for work performed in 2025 and bonuses deferred from prior years that have been cashed in.

From MarketWatch

Sentence on the 30-year-old was deferred and he was released on bail.

From BBC

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.