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.
Berkshire’s 13-member board of directors—including two of Buffett’s three children—has long been deferential to Buffett and could use stronger independent members now that Buffett is no longer CEO.
From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026
Administrators are typically deferential to their own superiors, with whom they often identify.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
"The tech industry has been given deferential treatment - I think we're seeing that start to change."
From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026
In general, the law is deferential to police, giving officers significant discretion to use force, making it difficult to hold them criminally or civilly liable.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026
The southerners, by contrast, were downright deferential in normal circumstances, stepping aside with more than nine feet to go.
From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
Vocabulary lists containing deferential
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