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

But criminal charges of the sort described by Hegseth are sure to be a bigger deterrent than being banned from the Kalshi or Polymarket platforms. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 In conversation at the Middleburg Film Festival this weekend, the producer shared how the specific approach that director Leah Nelson and her co-screenwriters Sarah Leavitt and Trev Renney was more of a selling point than a deterrent. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 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

For most people in the United States, this probably won't be an obstacle.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
But the world was deprived of this Minimalist presentation of Little Richard when the project foundered at the end of the decade amid financial obstacles and the difficulties of coordinating its all-star cast.

— Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Adjective

Sutter County Public Health contacted the child’s parents about preventive treatment.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Education — a predictor of health risk factors including smoking, obesity, cardiovascular risk, and preventive screening rates — has become increasingly aligned with political geography.

— Brandon Yan, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of preventive

Noun

Clinging to outdated graduation hurdles is no substitute for improving teaching and learning.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
Two major South Baltimore housing projects cleared a key hurdle last week, advancing plans for 500 townhomes in Baltimore Peninsula and 122 townhomes in Locust Point.

— Lauren Breunig, Baltimore Sun, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

The 'gold standard' Grading companies verify a card’s authenticity, assess its condition and seal it in a protective plastic case, known as a slab.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
In this paradigm, productivity can outpace justice, and some security teams, left unchecked, have turned protective tools into instruments of harm.

— David Niccolini, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

This means the One-All bypasses complex, costly safety barriers like airbags and crash-testing certifications that are needed for passenger cars.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026
Made with a breathable bamboo-viscose surface and waterproof barrier, it's designed to protect against spills without the uncomfortable crinkling of traditional mattress covers.

— Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of barrier

Adjective

Kansas defensive end Leroy Harris III’s assignment was to rush the passer on the most pivotal play of the Jayhawks’ 33-32 loss to UCF on Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
Cutforth found a wide-open Riley with a simple swing pass out to the left, giving the junior running back plenty of space to showcase his speed and beat several Rams defensive backs to find the end zone.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of defensive

Noun

Mahendra said the suspects would be charged under Article 258 of Indonesia’s new Criminal Code, which prohibits the unlawful interception, recording, diversion, alteration, obstruction or monitoring of nonpublic electronic communications.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
If convicted, Polite faces up to six months in prison for obstruction of mail and one year for delay or destruction of mail, prosecutors said.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

The latest embarrassment came Sunday, when Gang Green squandered a nine-point halftime lead in a 38-33 loss to the Raiders.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
What readers are saying The comments reflect a general skepticism towards polling, particularly among Republicans, who are perceived as reluctant to participate due to distrust and embarrassment about their political choices.

— Scott Clement, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

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deterrences

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“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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