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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Recent Examples of deter
That, however, hasn’t deterred the 27-year-old who has used his versatility — Gay can line up at inside or outside linebacker — to make a case for more playing time in 2025.
—
Claude Smalls, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2025
Not every case deserves the maximum sentence, but the possibility of a long stretch behind prison bars will absolutely deter dealers from distributing fentanyl.
—Allan Culver, Baltimore Sun, 4 Aug. 2025
Having survived Israel’s onslaught, however, the regime is likely to bolster its nuclear program and improve its missile capabilities to deter or retaliate against future attacks.
—Hasan T. Alhasan, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2025
But rather than deter people from coming, the images have acted as a magnet.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for deter
Claude Smalls, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2025
Not every case deserves the maximum sentence, but the possibility of a long stretch behind prison bars will absolutely deter dealers from distributing fentanyl.
—Allan Culver, Baltimore Sun, 4 Aug. 2025
Having survived Israel’s onslaught, however, the regime is likely to bolster its nuclear program and improve its missile capabilities to deter or retaliate against future attacks.
—Hasan T. Alhasan, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2025
But rather than deter people from coming, the images have acted as a magnet.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for deter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deter
Verb
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But states may now be dissuaded by the Trump administration's stance against price mandates being applied to the grant program.—
Jon Brodkin,
ArsTechnica,
5 Aug. 2025
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If a peace deal is not reached by Friday, Putin’s chief commodity will become the primary target as the U.S. will begin 100% sanctions on nations that purchase Russian oil in a move to dissuade them from fueling Russia’s economy, and by extension, its war chest.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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So don’t be discouraged if plants are taking multiple seasons to tackle.—
Heather Zidack,
Hartford Courant,
9 Aug. 2025
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Bonta discouraged stealing Valparaiso’s speed bumps.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deter. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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