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.

Until the 1960s, most broadcasting was dry and deferential.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 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

Still, the justices have been deferential to presidential powers and the outcome is uncertain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 4, 2025

“Then I’m in your debt,” I said to him, with a deferential nod.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss