Skip to content

What is another word for Defer? – 298 Defer Synonyms

    Need another word for Defer? Use these synonyms of Defer from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    postpone delay put off suspend stay hold off wait hesitate procrastinate stall table shelve shelve for the time being put on the back burner hold in abeyance hold back restrain refrain desist abstain forbear relinquish yield cede give in submit acquiesce comply obey accede assent consent agree concur defer to give way step aside make way stand down stand aside recede give ground retreat back down back off withdraw retire demur hesitate waver vacillate falter hang back drag one's feet slow down slacken slack off lose momentum lose steam fizzle out peter out tail off dwindle diminish abate subside let up ease off ease up relax unwind take it easy take a break take a breather take time out pause break interrupt discontinue cease stop halt desist quit leave off give up abandon relinquish surrender waive forfeit renounce repudiate reject decline refuse deny turn down spurn rebuff dismiss dismiss out of hand

    Meaning of Defer

    The primary meaning of the word "defer" is to delay or put off something until a later time.

    Definitions

    • To delay or put off something until a later time
    • * To postpone or suspend something, often until a later date or time
    • * To yield or submit to someone or something, often out of respect or obligation
    • * To refer a decision or matter to someone or something else, often for further consideration or action

    Etymology of Defer

    The word "defer" originates from the Latin "differre", which means "to carry or bear away" or "to delay"
    The word has been used in English since the 15th century, initially meaning "to carry or bear away" and later developing its modern meanings related to delay, submission, and reference

    Example Uses

    • The meeting was deferred until next week due to unforeseen circumstances
    • * She deferred to her colleague's expertise in the matter
    • * The decision was deferred to the committee for further consideration
    • * He deferred his university education to pursue a career in music

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    accelerate expedite hasten hurry rush speed advance proceed continue pursue press urge drive push force insist persist persevere carry on go on keep on maintain sustain prolong extend lengthen expand increase enhance amplify augment accelerate intensify step up boost stimulate motivate activate animate energize invigorate revive renew restore revitalize

    Related Nouns

    delay deferral postponement suspension stay hold restraint submission reference decision judgment choice option alternative possibility prospect expectation anticipation hope chance opportunity opening break gap pause interval hiatus interlude intermission recess respite reprieve relief lull calm stillness quiet tranquility serenity peace

    Related Verbs

    delay postpone suspend stay hold restrain submit refer decide judge choose opt select prefer prioritize accelerate expedite hasten hurry rush speed advance proceed continue pursue press urge drive push force insist persist persevere carry bear yield give relinquish cede surrender waive forfeit renounce repudiate reject decline refuse deny turn spurn rebuff dismiss

    Related Adjectives

    delayed deferred postponed suspended stayed held restrained submissive referential decisive judgmental choosy optional alternative possible prospective expectant anticipatory hopeful chance opportune open break gap pause interval hiatus interlude intermission recess respite relieving calm still quiet tranquil serene peaceful accelerating expediting hastening hurrying rushing speedy advanced proceeding continuing pursuing pressing urging driving forcing insisting persistent persevering carrying bearing yielding