Formal:
* Out of deference to the elders, the young people remained silent during the ceremony.
* The company CEO showed deference to the board of directors by allowing them to vote on the new initiative.
* The artist's latest work was met with deference from critics, who praised its technical mastery.
Informal:
* I decided to wear my best suit out of deference to the occasion.
* In deference to her mother's wishes, she agreed to stay home for the weekend.
* The younger brother always showed deference to his older sister, deferring to her judgment in most matters.
Figurative:
* The new government paid deference to the old ways of doing things, hoping to maintain stability.
* The artist's work, while innovative, still showed deference to the classic styles that inspired him.
The key to using "deference" effectively is to understand that it implies respect and yielding to another's authority or opinion. It suggests a conscious choice to prioritize the other person's needs or perspective.