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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.

Maybe after a bit, she can drop the deference.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

The hapless man, Mr. de la Bédoyère writes, “sat by, unable or perhaps unwilling by virtue of his status and deference to do anything about the degrading spectacle.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

He said such arrangements should no longer be sustainable and that "deference is wearing thin indeed".

From BBC • Jun. 4, 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

I couldn’t help but notice the deference Ba paid to Mrs. Kuen by allowing her to speak, allowing her to advise him.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu




Vocabulary lists containing deference


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