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
In addition, immigration arrests at the courthouse have drawn criticism from many immigration advocates and local officials, who fear the tactic deters people from showing up for court.
—
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill said the threats wouldn't deter voters.
—Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2025
The world’s major democracies must work more closely together and share the burden of deterring war with China.
—Eyck Freymann, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
The heels’ height did not deter the athlete from effortlessly and energetically dancing down the tunnel.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deter
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill said the threats wouldn't deter voters.
—Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2025
The world’s major democracies must work more closely together and share the burden of deterring war with China.
—Eyck Freymann, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
The heels’ height did not deter the athlete from effortlessly and energetically dancing down the tunnel.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deter
Verb
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The reminder didn’t dissuade at least five park visitors from participating in a 2023 brawl that was captured on video, showing a woman and man throwing punches at each other and wrestling before others joined in.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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By providing the Kichwa additional education and alternative sources of income, they’re dissuaded from hunting the more incredible animals in the rainforest.—
Noah Lederman,
Robb Report,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Despite being one of the top defenses all season, the last month has been discouraging.—
Austin Mock,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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This design helps prevent condensation buildup and discourages rodents and pests, while still reducing the risk of damage from falling debris during winter storms.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deter. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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