Synonym Chooser

How is the word defer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of defer are postpone, stay, and suspend. While all these words mean "to delay an action or proceeding," defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time.

deferred buying a car until spring

When could postpone be used to replace defer?

While in some cases nearly identical to defer, postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time.

the game is postponed until Saturday

When is it sensible to use stay instead of defer?

While the synonyms stay and defer are close in meaning, stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority.

the governor stayed the execution

Where would suspend be a reasonable alternative to defer?

The words suspend and defer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied.

business will be suspended while repairs are underway

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 defer The tax can easily be deferred with a marital bequest so that no tax is due until the second death. Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 The $20 million deferred will be paid $2 million per year, beginning 10 years from the year it is earned, meaning the $20 million of deferred money from his 2025 salary will be paid in $2 million increments per year from 2035-2044. Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025 Language from Senate Bill 6, which was tacked on, allows counties the option to set up a process for a homeowner to defer up to $500 of their property taxes annually. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025 Hern deferred oversight of the Trump administration to the judicial branch, according to News on 6. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defer

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Cite this Entry

“Defer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defer. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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