General Synonyms:
* Postpone: This is the most direct synonym, meaning to put something off to a later time.
* Delay: Similar to postpone, but can also imply a longer period of time.
* Adjourn: To postpone a meeting or event.
* Put off: Informal synonym for postpone.
* Hold off: To delay something, often in anticipation of something else.
Synonyms for "Defer" as a Noun:
* Postponement: The act of putting something off.
* Delay: The state of being delayed.
Synonyms for "Defer" when it means "to yield to someone's judgment":
* Submit: To yield to the authority of someone else.
* Acquiesce: To accept something reluctantly, without protest.
* Comply: To obey a command or request.
* Accede: To agree to something.
Formal Synonyms:
* Procrastinate: To delay doing something, especially out of laziness or a lack of motivation.
* Remit: To postpone payment or action.
Informal Synonyms:
* Kick the can down the road: To postpone dealing with a problem.
* Put on the back burner: To postpone something, making it less of a priority.
The best synonym to use will depend on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.