deference
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 handshake evolved very slowly as a mode of greeting and had no bearing on hat-honor as a gesture of deference," he says.
From Science Daily • May 7, 2026
He theorises that inequality exists in a nation founded on pro-black, pan-African principles because a deference for whiteness was hard-wired into the region, long before independence.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
The cinematography, score and editing all stay flat-footed in deference to its lead.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
Ding’s cheerful reign offers an answer to what “Jeopardy!” fans want from their champs: strict adherence to an unwritten code that starts with humbleness and deference to the game.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
All, including the emperor, sank to the floor in deference, and one of the queen’s companions had to nudge a servant to rise in order to take the peach.
From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin
Vocabulary lists containing deference
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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ASVAB Word Knowledge
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4
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