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
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Recent Examples of discourage
In 2019, former Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) discouraged Clinton from running again.
—
Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 4 May 2025
The Trump Administration has implemented a number of policies that are discouraging current and prospective international students:
ICE officials have seized and deported students legally in the country who have apparently done no wrong other than speaking out against Trump’s policies.
—John A. Ragosta, Baltimore Sun, 4 May 2025
Stanford initially discouraged the practice, immediately putting Cardinal sports at a disadvantage.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Emotional illiteracy, disconnection from the body and organizational cultures that discourage vulnerability reinforce this divide.
—Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 4 May 2025
The Trump Administration has implemented a number of policies that are discouraging current and prospective international students:
ICE officials have seized and deported students legally in the country who have apparently done no wrong other than speaking out against Trump’s policies.
—John A. Ragosta, Baltimore Sun, 4 May 2025
Stanford initially discouraged the practice, immediately putting Cardinal sports at a disadvantage.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Emotional illiteracy, disconnection from the body and organizational cultures that discourage vulnerability reinforce this divide.
—Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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Restaurateur Tasha Cyril is sometimes frustrated by the popularity of the turkey wings at her scene-centric Buckhead bar and lounge.—
Mike Jordan,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
2 May 2025
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Businesses operating in the world of crypto are frustrated that the same hasn’t happened yet for their industry.—
Ryan Browne,
CNBC,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Discouraging migration The controversy over tattoos has dissuaded Luis Abreu, 20, from attempting to migrate to the United States.—
Gustavo Ocando Alex,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2025
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At the time, Newsom was urgently seeking federal disaster funding and looking to dissuade Trump from following through on his threats to extract concessions from California in exchange for financial assistance.—
Joey Cappelletti and Jonathan J. Cooper,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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That means people who are counting votes or knocking on doors can’t be intimidated, threatened or coerced.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
12 May 2025
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If mixing up cocktails at home seems intimidating, don't fear—the secret to your new favorite drink might already be in the back of your fridge.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2025
Verb
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To Save Your Passwords, Microsoft Warns App Users Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Saturday, May 3rd Cleaning is often seen as unglamorous, labor-intensive work, deterring those chasing trendier ventures.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
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And there was no one to deter Edwards, Randle or Jaden McDaniels from attacking the paint.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Those hurdles don’t seem to be daunting Chinese carmakers, who exported 441,000 EVs, including hybrids, in the first quarter of this year, up more than 40% from the same period last year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
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Most designers would find such a project daunting: To create 500 costumes for a theatrical spectacular that is part-cabaret, part-circus, with a budget of $14 million, more than 100 performers and lashings of Swarovski crystals.—
Cathrin Schaer,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2019
Verb
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The goal of strengthening Washington’s presence should be to reassure partners that U.S. pressure is designed to create stronger alliances, not to pave the way for abandonment, as well as to ensure that resisting China is viable for countries that are frightened by Beijing.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
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The American Declaration of Independence and Constitution frightened monarchies and despots around the world without a single bullet or gunboat.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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