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

Example 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 Judges are obligated to give high deference to arbitrators and are expected to uphold awards so long as the award was not procured by fraud and the arbitrator didn’t fail to consider relevant evidence or follow basic legal principles. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026 Years of static budgets, staffing turnover, a culture of industry deference and a sluggish response by federal regulators have left the agency unprepared to address a contamination crisis of this size and scope, said Demonbreun-Chapman and others. —

Dylan Jackson, ABC News, 6 May 2026 This type of deference to the executive, which relies on presidential good faith, now amounts to judicial abdication. —

Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 What distinguishes Camper, at least musically, is his deference to classic R&B signifiers without kowtowing to pastiche. —

Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deference

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deference

Noun

The festival commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, with millions of livestock being sacrificed across Bangladesh during the celebration.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Chronicles of far-right obedience and moral decadence don’t get much more scathing than this.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026