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
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
He was very deferential and polite as he explained their errand.
From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie
Vocabulary lists containing deferential
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