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defer Synonyms

Another word for defer

Choosing another word for defer depends on context, so the 15 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To put off an action, decision, or event to a later time; to postpone.

Usage Example

"The university agreed to postpone her admission for one year so she could complete a research fellowship abroad."

Strongest
postpone
put off
delay
Strong
adjourn
shelve
suspend
hold off
table

• verb (Context 2)

To submit or yield respectfully to the opinion, judgment, or authority of another person (usually followed by 'to').

Usage Example

"Because the legal statute is highly technical, the board will yield to the general counsel's recommendation."

Strongest
yield
submit
Strong
accede
bow
acquiesce
give way
comply

Opposites of defer

The opposite of defer shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

expedite
defy
hasten
accelerate
oppose
resist
bring forward
advance
See all opposites of defer

• Nearby Words

defensive
defensively
defensiveness
defer
deferable
deference
deferential

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Defer. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/defer
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