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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Recent Examples of deference
The deference to Putin has left some longtime diplomats worried.
—
Matthew Lee and Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2025
However, the justices also seemed sensitive to the level of deference owed to Congress and the White House since the case could have ramifications for national security and foreign affairs.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
Trump was demanding deference from Zelenskyy to show his inferior and submissive position as a recipient of U.S. aid and military support.
—Shannon Bow O'Brien, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025
But in deference to President Trump's anti-diversity, equity and inclusion directive, the space agency has removed language about the diverse composition of the crew from some webpages.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deference
Matthew Lee and Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2025
However, the justices also seemed sensitive to the level of deference owed to Congress and the White House since the case could have ramifications for national security and foreign affairs.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
Trump was demanding deference from Zelenskyy to show his inferior and submissive position as a recipient of U.S. aid and military support.
—Shannon Bow O'Brien, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025
But in deference to President Trump's anti-diversity, equity and inclusion directive, the space agency has removed language about the diverse composition of the crew from some webpages.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deference
Cite this Entry
“Deference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deference. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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