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

Examples of defer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Neutra deferred his studies at the University of Binghamton to enlist as an Israeli soldier, according to the fundraiser, which has raised more than $182,000, as of Friday. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 6 Oct. 2024 That could be deferred or removed completely based on recommendations made by the Adult Probation Department, according to court records. Elena Santa Cruz, The Arizona Republic, 28 Sep. 2024 Rebecca initially deferred her dreams of pursuing a music career to help make Terry's dreams come true. Debbi Kickham, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 The Dodgers signed the free agent Ohtani to a record 10-year, $700 million contract with most of it deferred this past offseason coming off his second reconstructive right elbow surgery. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for defer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near defer

Cite this Entry

“Defer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defer. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on defer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!