deference
7 synonyms and 4 antonyms for deference, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Respectful submission to another person's wishes, judgment, or authority.
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 deference
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in deference to
show deference
due deference
Etymology
From French déférence, formed from defer + -ence.
Full origin of deference →Frequently asked questions
What does “deference” mean?
The word “deference” means respectful submission to another person's wishes, judgment, or authority.
How do you pronounce “deference”?
“Deference” is pronounced DEH-fuh-ruhns (/ˈdɛ.fɚ.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “deference” in a sentence?
Here is “deference” used in a sentence: “The junior staff treated the veteran surgeon with great deference.”
What is another word for “deference”?
Words with a similar meaning to “deference” include honor and respect.
What part of speech is “deference”?
“Deference” is a noun.
Where does the word “deference” come from?
The word “deference” comes from French. From French déférence, formed from defer + -ence.
