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.

In habeas doctrine, the danger has always been that federal review becomes so deferential that even substantial constitutional claims are transformed into sterile questions of state-court reasonableness.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

But he added an "overly deferential" approach to engaging with them would "almost inevitably creates political challenges or missed positive opportunities".

From BBC • Mar. 10, 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

"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

A kindly and deferential sort of fellow, Mengle could talk for perhaps four days solid, with interest, about any aspect of hiking equipment.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson