discourage

verb

di-ˈskər-ij How to pronounce discourage (audio)
Definition of discouragenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of discourage One way to discourage the habit would be to keep yourself from becoming overly tired. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 30 July 2026 The story publicizing the divorce ran three weeks after Holscher sent the message discouraging interference in the primary. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 This discourages foraging wasps and yellowjackets from being attracted to these areas, says Gordon. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 Kim worried the attacks on Fauci would discourage people from public service. — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
  1. frustrate
  2. dissuade
  3. intimidate
  4. deter
  5. daunt
  6. frighten
Verb
  • Iran was also frustrated that financial promises under the deal – including the release of billions of frozen assets – didn't materialize, and now the American blockade is back in place.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike traditional resort fees that can surprise or frustrate travelers, these purchases are optional and connected to a guest’s needs.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of frustrate
Verb
  • This has not dissuaded residents from demanding action from city officials.
    — Noah Daly August 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The plaintiffs said studios will now be dissuaded from buying the rights to the movie, knowing that a version of it could be released by a third party for free.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Definition of dissuade
Verb
  • Women are increasingly embracing rucking as an accessible middle ground between an ordinary walk and an intimidating strength-training program.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Picking the perfect shade and formula for your lips can be intimidating given the number of options on the market, but with more than 30 flattering shades to choose from, Mac Matte Lipstick can be a great addition to your makeup bag.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of intimidate
Verb
  • Military experts ​expect it to call for further spending increases aimed primarily at deterring China from starting a conflict with Taiwan ​that could also draw Japan into a prolonged war.
    — Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The location is remote enough to deter all but the most eager visitors.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of deter
Verb
  • But Cain, an interior decorator for 25 years, wasn’t daunted by the chaos that came with such an extensive project.
    — Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Musk, however, did not sound daunted by the prospect of finding an incremental $961 billion in revenue.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of daunt
Verb
  • Taylor contends the company welcomes more FDA scrutiny, and cautions against letting the outbreak frighten consumers away from eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
    — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Studios that let a government inquiry frighten them into caution are not managing risk.
    — Christopher Racster, IndieWire, 23 July 2026
Definition of frighten

Browse Nearby Words

discounts
discourage
discouraged
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Cite this Entry

“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on discourage

Nglish: Translation of discourage for Spanish Speakers

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