as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterrent
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Using baking soda as a pest deterrent is a simple, natural way to address common household pests.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 3 June 2026
David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
Retaliation and alienation from team-mates and friends were also deterrents from speaking out, according to the report.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Using baking soda as a pest deterrent is a simple, natural way to address common household pests.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 3 June 2026
Adjective
Reuters reported last week that the fine would be modest, marking a change in Ribera’s approach with her predecessor’s deterrent hefty fines.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
-
The winner in November will lead the country's most populous state, facing a large deficit and other obstacles, including the state's high cost of living, homelessness and wildfire risk.—
Marisa Lagos,
NPR,
6 June 2026
-
Despite the ongoing ups and downs of the housing market, including economic cycles and affordability obstacles including post-pandemic high interest rates, low inventory, and soaring prices, women – particularly Millennials – have continued to show resiliency.—
Kathy Collins,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
That’s where most of the preventive work should start.—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
Ouellet is being held in preventive detention in Rockingham County, and a protective order has been issued for the woman, according to court documents.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Budget pressures, construction delays, political concerns, and logistical hurdles have become common features of modern Olympic planning.—
Tim Genske,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
Nvidia is looking to deepen its ties with South Korea as tech supply chains come into focus given the Iran war, and as the company faces rising regulatory hurdles in selling to the mainland Chinese market.—
Justina Lee,Lisa Kim,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
Adjective
-
In January, a tourist on the Argentine side of the falls reportedly crossed protective barriers near the Devil's Throat viewpoint to retrieve a hat that had blown away.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
11 June 2026
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Workers will lower protective shielding around the assembly before placing it inside the machine’s interior.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
The technology is also lowering barriers for new entrants.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
11 June 2026
-
Assistant coach Kim Weiss, who broke barriers this season, is expected to be named head coach of the Las Vegas expansion franchise in the PWHL.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Sparks end a three-game losing streak with an 89-72 win over expansion Portland, delivering their stingiest defensive performance of the season.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
During his contract year with the Braves in 2022, Swanson appeared in all 162 games and made 161 starts at shortstop, logging 1,433 innings at a premium defensive position while also producing 25 home runs and 96 RBIs.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
He's charged with criminal mischief, assault and criminal obstruction of breathing.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
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Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury in Virginia on charges of making a false statement and obstruction in connection with nearly 5-year-old testimony to the Senate.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Rajoub refused the entreaty, much to the frustration and embarrassment of Infantino.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
-
Trump hopes to move past the political embarrassment during a fresh test of his political clout in South Carolina and Nevada.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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