deter

verb

di-ˈtər How to pronounce deter (audio)
Definition of deternext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 Use them on purse and luggage zippers to deter pickpockets, or clip smaller items together, like hair ties, cords, or pouches. — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 Affordability often can deter younger adults from hiring a financial adviser. — Adriana Morga, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 For Kyiv, that list likely includes respect for its sovereign rights, security guarantees, military capabilities sufficient to deter Russia, and funding for reconstruction. — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026 But none of that will deter SK Hynix from pursuing its historic buildout. — Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deter
  1. dissuade
  2. discourage
Verb
  • The high risk of – and challenges of addressing – oil spills and other safety incidents in the hostile Arctic climate are another dissuading factor, as are environmental costs of operating there.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Trump may be taking a risk by leaning into this more, though, because Democrats may be dissuaded by his close involvement in the bill.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of dissuade
Verb
  • Pilgrims walk between temples, rest in historic ryokan and keep to contemplative daily rituals that discourage mass, high-speed tourism.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • No ground was made up in the quarterback competition, which is discouraging in itself.
    — Zach Berman, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of discourage

Browse Nearby Words

detentions
deter
deterge
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on deter

Nglish: Translation of deter for Spanish Speakers

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