DEFERENCE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'deference' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deference are homage , honor , and reverence . While all these words mean "respect and esteem shown to another," deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence. // showed no deference to their elders

Q: In what contexts can 'homage' take the place of 'deference'?

The words homage and deference can be used in similar contexts, but homage adds the implication of accompanying praise. // paying homage to Shakespeare

Q: When is 'honor' a more appropriate choice than 'deference'?

The words honor and deference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition. // the nomination is an honor

Q: When might 'reverence' be a better fit than 'deference'?

The synonyms reverence and deference are sometimes interchangeable, but reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe. // great reverence for my father

deference

noun

ˈde-fə-rən(t)s

Definition of deference next

as in obedience

a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others the sycophantic deference with which the hotel treats celebrity guests

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How does the noun deference differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deference are homage, honor, and reverence. While all these words mean "respect and esteem shown to another," deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence.

showed no deference to their elders

In what contexts can homage take the place of deference?

The words homage and deference can be used in similar contexts, but homage adds the implication of accompanying praise.

paying homage to Shakespeare

When is honor a more appropriate choice than deference?

The words honor and deference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition.

the nomination is an honor

When might reverence be a better fit than deference?

The synonyms reverence and deference are sometimes interchangeable, but reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe.

great reverence for my father

Examples of deference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But that authority was just upended by the Supreme Court in a case called Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overturned a foundational legal principle called Chevron deference, which said courts should mostly defer to how agencies — like the FTC — interpret the law. —

Nilay Patel, The Verge, 25 July 2024 The Supreme Court in the Loper case overruled the deference given to agencies such as the IRS under the landmark Chevron doctrine. —

Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024 Jones requested his name not appear in the credits, out of deference to Prowse. —

David Morgan, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2024 In a partisan 6-3 ruling issued this summer, the Supreme Court seized the opportunity to gut a cornerstone of federal regulation: Chevron deference, a legal doctrine that for the last 40 years has given government agencies the latitude to implement laws set by Congress. —

Sunaura Taylor, Vox, 7 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deference

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.