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deference

[def-er-uhns] / ˈdɛf ər əns /




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.

Thus far, we’ve thought of that level of “Whatever the boss wants” deference to the president as cost free.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

Maybe after a bit, she can drop the deference.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

More than their predecessors, they have an innate versatility with the fast-evolving technology and little deference for the notion they have to pay their dues with repetitive grunt work.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

"The handshake evolved very slowly as a mode of greeting and had no bearing on hat-honor as a gesture of deference," he says.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

One time he gave a lengthy tour to a tall, stoop-shouldered man with a lugubrious expression on his long face, whom Lawrence introduced with unusual deference as “Dr. Nicholas Baker.”

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik




Vocabulary lists containing deference


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