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.

"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

Fully autonomous driving will worsen traffic conditions for a time, he argues, introducing cars that will be too deferential and unable to coordinate with other drivers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025

But it’s worth stressing the takeaway: Redford was always deferential to his leading women, all of whom bloomed and ached in his absence.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025

Despite his reputation for brusqueness, he made his proposal in a deferential manner.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela