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

Rather than simply detecting physical obstacles, the system distinguishes between different types of messes and household objects to optimize cleaning strategies.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
His efforts, however, encountered their greatest obstacle after World War II due to the suspicions aroused by Philip’s family’s uncomfortable ties to the Nazis.

— Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 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

And Starship will have other hurdles to clear as well, even if today's flight goes perfectly.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026
View gallery - 3 images A robotic suit that lets someone with a spinal-cord injury stand up, look a friend in the eye, or stir a pot on the stove without anyone's help just cleared its biggest hurdle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 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

Allegations of obstruction The sentencing dispute also extends beyond Rivera’s lobbying activities.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
He was issued felony citations on suspicion of burglary, evading police, driving more than 100 mph, hit-and-run, obstruction and resisting, reckless driving and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

Then came three more defeats, capped by a 12-1 embarrassment on Saturday against the AL East champion Rays.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
The revocation become a national story, and a source of embarrassment within TCU’s small, loyal community.

— Mac Engel September 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

deterrences

deterrent

deterrents

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Style

“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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