DETERRENCE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

deterrence

noun

Definition of deterrence

as in discouragement

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of deterrence The number of times deterrence has failed approximately equals the number of wars history has seen. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2026 Open communication strengthens deterrence, prevents adversary miscalculation, and normalizes space operations alongside the other services. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026 The revelation is seen as a message of deterrence to adversaries like China and Russia. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 The war on terror rendered the familiar categories of the Cold War—the balance of power, deterrence, great-power rivalry, and hegemony—increasingly obsolete. — Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deterrence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrence

Noun

In a paper in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, members of the WTA’s performance and health staff stressed the importance of providing support, rather than discouragement, to athletes seeking to preserve their fertility.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026
Despite the feeling of discouragement that can come with the rejections and even ghostings applicants face, these internships — though sometimes few and far between — still exist.

— Cami Fateh, Vogue, 15 July 2026

Definition of discouragement

Noun

Each package contains cooking instructions such as cook time and preferred cooking method.

— Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026
Public libraries offer free SHSAT books with instructions, explanations, and complete sample tests, along with free online tutoring.

— Wai Wah Chin, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of instruction

Noun

By the time Morris arrived, firefighters inside had determined that a fire that started in a fryer was over, but the sprinklers from Kopper Kettle’s fire-suppression system had flooded everything.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026
Following an outcry over potential suppression, YouTube and Meta are changing direction on an ad for an Elon Musk documentary.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of suppression

Noun

Political parties weakened by years of repression and exile need opportunities to rebuild.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
The connection between these women, the season appears to be saying, is that their violence grew out of abuse, repression, and mistreatment.

— Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of repression

Noun

Robin recalled the animal charging at him twice, leaving puncture marks near his hip from clawing at him.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
The puck provides up to three hours of continuous high-resolution media playback and supports 45-watt fast charging.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of charging

Noun

Online bidding is underway for the park's equipment and other assets via auctioneer Bill Ramsey and Associates.

— CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
The Macallan Romantica Collection, which was first revealed in May with artwork from Sir Peter Blake, Valerio Adami, and Michael Dillon will also be available for bidding.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of bidding

Noun

Rare electrical behavior Antiferroelectric materials contain electric dipoles that naturally point in opposite directions.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
The Full Moon in your sign puts your identity, desires, and personal direction under a bright light, making old compromises harder to maintain automatically.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of direction

Browse Nearby Words

deterred

deterrence

deterrences

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“Deterrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrence. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrence

noun

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Synonyms of deterrence

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to deterrence

The Words of the Week - 10/2/20

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on deterrence

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

heterodox

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

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