DETERRENT Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

deterrent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of deterrent

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals

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deterrent

2 of 2

adjective

as in preventive

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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 deterrent

Noun

There have been hardline stances too, which also serves as market deterrents, such as a ban on any clothing with PFAS in New York and California since last year. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 The exercise ultimately tested a simple but important premise for the US nuclear deterrent. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2026

Adjective

One thing to keep in mind is that the deterrent effect of coffee grounds may be more temporary than other methods. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 7 Mar. 2026 This team has neither a point-of-attack defense on the perimeter nor a true deterrent interior presence. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deterrent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent

Noun

Galarza said misconceptions about electric stoves are the largest obstacle to broader use.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Read More Roborock’s Saros 20 stands out for its ability to climb tall thresholds, avoid obstacles with impressive accuracy, and clean under low furniture thanks to its slim design.

— Brad Bourque, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Adjective

But in a preventive business, obstacles can easily cause customers to stop trying to make the purchase, schedule the appointment, or make the will.

— Clarissa Windham-Bradstock, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Currently, there are no preventive vaccines or treatment options for the virus.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of preventive

Noun

This year, for example, Regan dropped an initiative that would have restricted hospital executives’ pay, in exchange for the California Hospital Association not imposing new administrative hurdles on unions pursuing political campaigns.

— Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
One of the biggest hurdles the state faces is communicating to the public the importance of these fires.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

Trump has repeatedly insisted that the damage to the Reflecting Pool resulted from intentional vandalism, claiming that vandals cut a gash hundreds of feet long in the pool’s protective lining.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
With methane—a potent greenhouse gas—ousted from the atmosphere, and the creation of the UV-protective ozone layer (which still shields us from the sun’s rays today), the Earth began to cool and experienced one of its earliest ice ages.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of protective

Adjective

The government forces settled into a more defensive posture after the defeat in the southwest.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
That, coupled with a big sack from sophomore defensive lineman Kingston Jimmerson, killed the momentum on the visitors’ final drive.

— Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of defensive

Noun

He was sentenced to concurrent life terms in federal prison on six charges, nearly 12 years on a firearm conspiracy charge and 10 years on an obstruction of justice charge.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026
Where Montoya lived Montoya faces charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, possession of false immigration documents, use of false immigration documents and obstruction of agency proceedings.

— Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein has been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade and forced him to give up royal duties in 2019.

— Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with Epstein has been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade and forced him to give up royal duties in 2019.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

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deterrences

deterrent

deterrents

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“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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