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defer

/dɪˈfɜː(ɹ)/verb

To put something off until a later time.

Example sentences

  • “The committee chose to defer the vote until next month.”
  • “Many students defer their loan payments until after graduation.”

Two distinct verbs share the spelling: to postpone (defer a decision) and to yield respectfully (defer to an expert).

Synonyms for defer

Often confused with defer

defer vs differ

Related words