Deference
Deference noun - A courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard.
Usage example: his deference to her wishes was very flattering
Politeness is a synonym for deference in respect topic. In some cases you can use "Politeness" instead a noun "Deference", when it comes to topics like attention, courteousness.
Politeness
Politeness noun - Speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding.
Usage example: the little girl's politeness greatly impressed her teacher
Deference is a synonym for politeness in courtesy topic. You can use "Deference" instead a noun "Politeness".
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- esteem and deference
- esteem and politeness
- regard and deference
- regard and politeness
- reverence and deference
- reverence and politeness
- respect and deference
- respect and politeness
- thoughtfulness and deference
- thoughtfulness and politeness
- consideration and deference
- consideration and politeness
- veneration and deference
- veneration and politeness
How words are described
Both words in one sentence
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It's implicit in Dragon Ball Super that Zen'O, the King of All Cosmos, is pretty bored of being treated with effusive politeness and deference by everyone around him.
Source: Don't Call Me "Sir"
Cite this Source
Politeness and Deference. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/deference/politeness
Deference & Politeness. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/deference/politeness>.
Politeness or Deference. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/deference/politeness.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "deference" and "politeness" have occurred on timeline