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

Public announcements of people who get caught doping is considered a deterrent to drug use and the practice is part of the world drug-fighting rulebook. — ABC News, 21 July 2026 Ojeda’s 11 goals have not been enough of a deterrent on their own. — Scott Turick, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 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

Lack of trust and resistance from locals remain one of the biggest obstacles to containing the outbreak, according to authorities and health workers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
And while this author might be hung up on the obstacles Odysseus encounters, his travels are not without pleasure and thrill.

— Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Definition of obstacle

Adjective

After witnessing the same families repeatedly return to his courtroom across generations, Judge Langer sought a new preventive approach that would support young parents in foster care.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Start now, before pain arrives; the exercise is preventive, not just corrective.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Definition of preventive

Noun

Yet another hurdle is Chicago Parking Meters itself, which has threatened to sue the city if the council doesn’t approve the Stonepeak deal.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
For instance, non-invasive EEG systems generally capture weaker and noisier signals than implanted brain devices, making accuracy and reliability critical hurdles.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

Among the most successful hits was against UKRTAC, a Ukrainian defense company responsible for producing body armor, helmets, tactical gear, and other protective equipment.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026
He was arrested again by Danbury police in March 2023 for violating a protective order, and in May 2023 for threatening and for violating a protective order, according to court records.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

The surge in gray divorces is also often driven by women – who have long faced restrictive gender norms in conservative Asian societies, as well as legal, financial, and social barriers to seeking divorce.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
The near silence amid the height of the pandemic prompted Johnson’s campaign for noise barriers.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of barrier

Adjective

Swainsboro’s Dwight Smith has served as team water boy, player, defensive coordinator and now head coach.

— Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
The openness was in stark contrast to the defensive, tactical precision and gnawing tension that make the matches surrounding this one so captivating, but which can stifle some of sport’s beauty and brilliance.

— Sergio Gonzalez, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of defensive

Noun

By coach Cheryl Reeve’s standard, Saturday night’s match against the Portland Fire was a defensive embarrassment.

— Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026
Was Trump, reportedly livid over the Air Force One leak, concerned about the risk to security—or about the prospect of personal embarrassment due to the failings of a questionable gift that had cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars to upgrade?

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 2026

Definition of embarrassment

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deterrences

deterrent

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“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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