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.

As the decades spooled past, British society would become less deferential and British media more intrusive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

"The tech industry has been given deferential treatment - I think we're seeing that start to change."

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

"He was intensely serious but showed flashes of humour. He encouraged debate although his officers were deferential," Pike wrote in a 2019 book.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

She’s very deferential to him, clearly aiming for this goal of “OK, and I’ll take over.”

From Slate • Jan. 5, 2026

Only Reba, with her light pimply skin and deferential manner, looked as though her simplicity might also be vacuousness.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison