# deferring

/dɪˈfɝɪŋ/ (US) · /dɪfˈɜːɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deferring
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to put something off until later instead of doing it now. You use this when you delay a decision, payment, or event.

For teachers: to postpone or delay an action, decision, or obligation to a later time. Often followed by 'until', 'to' plus a time, or a gerund.

## Examples

- She is deferring her trip until next month.
- The student is deferring his exams because of illness and will take them in autumn.
- By deferring the vote, leaders gave negotiators time to craft a compromise that satisfied both factions.

## Synonyms

delay, postpone, suspend, adjourn, shelve

## Antonyms

hasten, advance, continue

## Usage notes

- Takes a direct object, often followed by 'until', 'to', or 'till' plus a time expression.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.