deferential
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.
“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
Berkshire’s 13-member board of directors—including two of Buffett’s three children—has long been deferential to Buffett and could use stronger independent members now that Buffett is no longer CEO.
From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026
But he added an "overly deferential" approach to engaging with them would "almost inevitably creates political challenges or missed positive opportunities".
From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026
“Then I’m in your debt,” I said to him, with a deferential nod.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Vocabulary lists containing deferential
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