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
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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.