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

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 Given that the Administration says this case is about national security, will courts grant it more deference? Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2025 Populists question elites’ epistemic culture, which requires deference to experts. Jacob Hale Russell, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025 The order calls for categorizing regulations that extend beyond legitimate constitutional or statutory authority, in line with recent Supreme Court precedents on major questions and Chevron deference. James Broughel, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 Trump officials must contend with the Supreme Court’s decision to end Chevron deference to federal agencies, which could help lawsuits against new measures that go beyond U.S. immigration law or regulatory authority. Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deference

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Cite this Entry

“Deference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deference. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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