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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of deference The court said a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling had removed a judicial framework that allowed courts to interpret rules with deference to the federal agency that created them. —

Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025 Trump responded positively to this display of deference, but no meeting occurred. —

Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 As if in deference to the gravitas of her themes, Carlson is rarely acclaimed for her sense of humor. —

Jeremy Lybarger, ARTnews.com, 6 Jan. 2025 But Musk’s sudden rise and the deference that Republicans have accorded him suggest something about how uncertain, and up for grabs, the Trump agenda is. —

Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deference