Deferential and Restive
Opposite meaning words
Deferential
Deferential adjective - Marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status.
Restive is an antonym for deferential.
Restive
Restive adjective - Given to resisting authority or another's control.
Usage example: the restive horse threw its head and refused to move when the rider urged it forward
Deferential is an antonym for restive.
Cite this Source
Restive and Deferential. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/deferential/restive
Deferential & Restive. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/deferential/restive>.
Restive or Deferential. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/deferential/restive.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "deferential" and "restive" have occurred on timeline