Deference — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈde-fə-rən(t)s/ def·er·ence

Meaning & Definition of Deference

Deference (noun)

  1. respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also, affected or ingratiating regard for another's wishes

Deference (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others

    "the sycophantic deference with which the hotel treats celebrity guests"

    similar: acquiescence, biddability, compliance, compliancy, docility, obedience, submissiveness
    related: amenability, amiability, complaisance, good-naturedness, obsequiousness, servility, slavishness, subservience, subserviency, conformity, cooperativeness, receptiveness, receptivity, humoring, indulgence, acceptance, assent, consent, capitulation, submission, surrender, affability, amicability, congeniality, cordiality, friendliness, geniality, sociability
    opposite: defiance, disobedience, intractability, recalcitrance
    near: animosity, antipathy, enmity, hostility, ill will

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Deference

The most common words with a similar meaning to Deference:

acquiescence, biddability, compliance, compliancy, docility, obedience, submissiveness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Deference

Words with the opposite meaning of Deference:

defiance, disobedience, intractability, recalcitrance

Related Words for Deference

amenability, amiability, complaisance, good-naturedness, obsequiousness, servility, slavishness, subservience, subserviency, conformity, cooperativeness, receptiveness, receptivity, humoring, indulgence, acceptance, assent, consent, capitulation, submission, surrender, affability, amicability, congeniality, cordiality, friendliness, geniality, sociability

Near Antonyms of Deference

animosity, antipathy, enmity, hostility, ill will

Origin & Etymology of Deference

borrowed from French déférence, going back to Middle French deference "act of submitting," from deferer "to submit to another, defer:2" + -ence -ence

First known use: 1660

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Deference

Words & Phrases Containing Deference

in deference to

Frequently Asked Questions about Deference

What does "Deference" mean?

"Deference" means respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also, affected or ingratiating regard for another's wishes. As a noun, it is defined as: respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also, affected or ingratiating regard for another's wishes.

What is another word for "Deference"?

Other words for "Deference" include acquiescence, biddability, compliance, compliancy, docility, obedience and submissiveness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Deference" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Deference"?

There are 35 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Deference". Common alternatives include acquiescence, biddability, compliance, compliancy, docility, obedience and submissiveness.

What is the opposite of "Deference"?

Antonyms of "Deference" include defiance, disobedience, intractability and recalcitrance. Near antonyms include animosity, antipathy, enmity and hostility.

How do you use "Deference" in a sentence?

Examples of "Deference" in a sentence: "the sycophantic deference with which the hotel treats celebrity guests".

Is "Deference" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Deference" is a noun.

Is "Deference" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Deference" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Deference"?

"Deference" is pronounced /ˈde-fə-rən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as def·er·ence.