as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterrent
Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Mar. 2026
Tehran’s calculus may have shifted because earlier US warnings about executions have lost deterrent value, according to Farahmand.
—Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
Deciding which workouts to do can be another deterrent from sticking to a routine, so come up with a plan and stick with it for four to six weeks before making a change.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Mar. 2026
Tehran’s calculus may have shifted because earlier US warnings about executions have lost deterrent value, according to Farahmand.
—Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Reuters reported last week that the fine would be modest, marking a change in Ribera’s approach with her predecessor’s deterrent hefty fines.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
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The robot can respond to voice commands and is programmed to keep safe distances from people and obstacles.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Mar. 2026
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The 21st century’s obstacles for young men—as seen in deaths of despair and lagging employment—have been amply publicized both by credible journalists and by charlatans such as Fuentes.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This and other actions in response to threats of violence against community association directors and staff indicate potential dangers and preventive measures for communities across the country.—
Evonne Andris,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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Social Security payment amounts are set to shrink unless Congress takes preventive action.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Kansas City Chiefs’ planned $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County cleared a major hurdle on Friday, when the Kansas Legislature passed a bill creating a sports authority and renewing the underlying incentive program that will finance the megaproject.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
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The four-person crew of Artemis II is at Kennedy Space Center in Florida preparing to lift off and travel to the moon as early as Wednesday — and getting ready for any hurdles space may throw at them.—
Mark Strassmann,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This means creating materials that are light enough to bring into space but protective enough to keep radiation at bay, says Philip Metzger, a professor of planetary science and space technology at the University of Central Florida, who was not involved in the new study.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
25 Mar. 2026
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Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Lotion focuses on exactly that, combining intense hydration with ingredients that help reinforce the skin’s natural protective layer.—
Hana Hong,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The officers are not seen physically restraining her, but appear to form a barrier between the crowd and ICE agents.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
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For students who cannot pursue these degrees without adequate financial aid, this policy will create barriers to entering the field.—
Kaelyn Lara,
The Conversation,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The rule has been expanded that teams must interview two minority candidates for openings at head coach, general managers and the offensive and defensive coordinator jobs.—
Mac Engel
March 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Heat’s zone worked on several second-half possessions, but Miami still allowed too many open threes -- and had too many defensive breakdowns -- when the game was decided in the fourth quarter.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Dozens of participants were later charged with misdemeanor offenses related to unlawful assembly and obstruction, with many ultimately placed into diversion programs requiring community service.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
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The bill now requires the NYPD to form a plan for how to address and limit obstruction, intimidation and physical injury.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Sparing a county official from embarrassment is not a valid public purpose.—
David Plymyer,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Mar. 2026
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How can other young women and girls who wants to be creators online push through that embarrassment and stop worrying about what other people are thinking?—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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