Synonyms of discourage

discourage

verb

di-ˈskər-ij 

1

as in to frustrate

to lessen the courage or confidence of

I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frustrate
• intimidate
• daunt
• frighten
• dishearten
• scare
• demoralize
• bother
• dispirit
• dismay
• unnerve
• worry
• try
• browbeat
• trouble
• afflict
• horrify
• weigh
• chill
• throw cold water on
• undermine
• depress
• bully
• unman
• distress
• weaken
• cow
• dampen
• deaden
• sadden
• irk
• vex
• debilitate
• damp
• enfeeble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• nerve
• steel
• enforce
• cheer
• reinforce
• assure
• embolden
• strengthen
• enliven
• hearten
• animate
• stimulate
• reassure
• fortify
• provoke
• buoy (up)
• gladden
• inspire
• invigorate
• excite
• lift
• stir
• energize
• boost
• quicken
• rally
• galvanize

2

as in to dissuade

to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action

the higher fines may help discourage drivers from speeding on the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dissuade
• deter
• inhibit
• divert
• repel
• unsell

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• persuade
• urge
• egg (on)
• induce
• exhort
• prompt
• goad
• prod
• impel

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discourage

Installing a garden fence or covering your garden during the winter can help discourage them from settling there. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 5 Nov. 2026

But these companies are facing pressures that discourage investment in promising projects. — Tom Moerenhout, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2026

Their presence helps discourage raccoons from raiding the wood storks’ nests, giving the birds a better chance of successfully raising their young. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026

Those harms are alleged to include exploiting psychological vulnerabilities, targeting people’s fears and discouraging them from voting. — Emma L. Briant, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026