DETER Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

deter

verb

di-ˈtər

Definition of deter

as in to dissuade

to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action we tried to deter him from his crazy scheme, but to no avail

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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 deter Ability to deter potential aggression The development of a hypersonic glide vehicle could strengthen South Korea’s ability to deter potential aggression by improving its capacity to threaten high-value military targets. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 The Oak Lawn and Alsip village boards voted to regulate the use of security foggers in businesses as a method to deter offenders. — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Unless authorities can sustain enforcement—and impose consequences sufficient to deter vendors—the market simply reconstitutes itself. — Daniel Edward Rosen, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 Kentucky could easily finish the year 6-6, but that still wouldn't deter me from saying Stein is the right guy for the job. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deter

Verb

Analysts have said the film was challenging to market, given a major twist in the plot, and that Cruise’s nearly unrecognizable appearance could have dissuaded his fan base from coming out to support the film.

— Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
His opposition to the California proposal wasn't enough to dissuade the state Democratic Party's executive board from endorsing the measure earlier this year.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of dissuade

Verb

According to Vinatieri, Democrats are discouraged by Shapiro’s changing data center stance.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
The question the hosts were debating, by pointing to a specific subset of one immigrant group, was precisely how incompatible Indian Americans were with American culture, and by what degree Indian immigration should be discouraged.

— Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of discourage

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detentions

deter

deterge

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“Deter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deter. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deter

verb

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