The word that most closely means "showing respect to a superior" is deferential.
The word that most closely means "showing respect to a superior" is "deference."
To find a word that most closely means "showing respect to a superior," you can start by thinking of synonyms for "respect," "showing," and "superior." One word that fits this description is "deferential." "Deferential" means showing or expressing respect and humble submission to someone considered superior in rank, intellect, or authority.
