defer
13 synonyms and 2 antonyms for defer, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To put something off until a later time; to postpone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use defer
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
defer to someone's judgment
defer payment
Etymology
From Old French differer, from Latin differō — the same ultimate root as "differ," making them doublets of each other.
Full origin of defer →Frequently asked questions
What does “defer” mean?
The word “defer” means to put something off until a later time; to postpone.
How do you pronounce “defer”?
“Defer” is pronounced dih-FUR (/dɪˈfɝ/ in IPA).
How do you use “defer” in a sentence?
Here is “defer” used in a sentence: “The university let him defer his admission for a year.”
What part of speech is “defer”?
“Defer” is a verb.
Where does the word “defer” come from?
The word “defer” comes from Latin. From Old French differer, from Latin differō — the same ultimate root as "differ," making them doublets of each other.
Is “defer” a common word?
“Defer” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “defer” have?
“Defer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to put something off until a later time; to postpone.
