Synonyms of deferential

deferential

adjective

ˌde-fə-ˈren-chəl 

as in respectful

marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status

the man had the deferential attitude of someone who had been a servant his entire life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• respectful
• deferent
• regardful
• dutiful
• polite
• reverent
• civil
• gracious
• worshipful
• reverential
• obsequious
• servile
• grovelling
• sycophantic
• hagiographical
• fawning
• courteous
• subservient
• venerating
• hagiographic
• kowtowing
• toadying
• genuflecting
• groveling
• kid-glove
• kid-gloved

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disrespectful
• offensive
• abusive
• insulting
• demeaning
• derogatory
• contemptuous
• undutiful
• disparaging
• scornful
• irreverent
• impudent
• insolent
• rude
• depreciatory
• depreciative
• discourteous
• uncivil
• belittling

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of deferential

While the women may be skittish around Karen and try not to disturb the deferential hierarchy, there is no such grace being offered to Ashley or Mia, who have been the main ones to go up against the newbies time and again. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024

The most important consequence of Alston was the Court clarifying the NCAA is not owed a deferential standard of review on antitrust claims, which the NCAA had invoked since the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in NCAA v. Board of Regents (1984). —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Sep. 2024

Wilken has rejected the NCAA’s portrayal of amateurism as inherently different and special, and thus more deserving of deferential antitrust treatment, than other businesses. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2024

Brenna is hip and intrusive, while Muir is deferential to a fault. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 July 2024