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

Much like the journalism injury, which is suffering from Google discouraging users from clicking on links with its AI Overview feature, advertisers are struggling to control the shopping experience and how products are being featured inside AI Mode. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 2 Sep. 2026

Idea futures would undermine the institutional clout of skeptical old physicists with tenure—monetizing, promoting, and rewarding bold claims discouraged by mainstream consensus. — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Washington has discouraged Chinese firms from investing in the United States and expanded the list of American products that cannot be exported to China. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

John Martin Reservoir State Park will remain open, but activities involving direct contact with water are discouraged, according to CPW. — Zach Hillstrom, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026