defers
Bows to authority
Defers is the third-person singular of defer, which has two distinct meanings.
One defer means to postpone or put off: The committee defers judgment until all evidence is in.
The other defer means to yield respectfully to another's wishes, opinion, or authority: She defers to her mentor on matters of style.
Both uses suggest stepping back—either in time or in precedence—to allow something else to take priority.
Gives forth results
- bowsRespectful forward bends
- submitsYields to authority
- acquiescesAgrees without protest
- capitulatesYields to demands
concedes · relents · accedes · kowtows · genuflects · gives way · steps aside · cedes
Reschedules for later
- delaysPauses before proceeding
- reschedulesSets new time
- adjournsSuspends a session
- suspendsHalts temporarily or hangs
tables · shelves · puts off · stalls · continues · mothballs · waives · stays
Follows commands given
- compliesFollows a directive
- conformsMatches expected standards
- adheresStays firmly attached
- followsComes after another
heeds · observes · falls in line · toes the line · accepts · assents · obliges · accommodates
yields
Gives forth results
- bowsRespectful forward bends
- submitsYields to authority
- acquiescesAgrees without protest
capitulates · concedes · relents · accedes · kowtows · genuflects · gives way · steps aside · cedes · honors
postpones
Reschedules for later
- delaysPauses before proceeding
- reschedulesSets new time
- adjournsSuspends a session
suspends · tables · shelves · puts off · stalls · continues · mothballs · waives · stays · remands
obeys
Follows commands given
follows · heeds · observes · falls in line · toes the line · accepts · assents · obliges · accommodates
defersexpedites
Makes swifter or easier
accelerates · hastens · rushes · advances · proceeds
deferscontinues
Proceeds without stopping
proceeds · persists · maintains · carries on · presses on
- deferred incomePrepayment awaiting future delivery
- deferred paymentBuying before paying
- draft defermentDelayed military service obligation
- student defermentDelayed conscription for academics
- deferred maintenancePostponed upkeep work
- tax deferredUntaxed until withdrawn
defer, deference, deferential, deferred, deferment, deferring, deferrable