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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterrent
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Japanese media framed the deployment as a deterrent against North Korea and China, as tensions rise between Tokyo and Beijing over a diplomatic spat related to Taiwan.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 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
During the 20th and 21st centuries, aircraft came to play increasingly important roles in determining the outcome of battles as well as being deterrents to aggression.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Japanese media framed the deployment as a deterrent against North Korea and China, as tensions rise between Tokyo and Beijing over a diplomatic spat related to Taiwan.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 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
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While there wasn’t a 7-foot-4 obstacle blocking the lane, the Clippers still couldn’t get out of their own way and lost to the Spurs for the third time in less than a month, 118-99, at the Intuit Dome.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
3 Apr. 2026
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At the same time, the physicists don’t see any insurmountable obstacles.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Shared clinical decision-making helps tailor care to individual risks and is already used for several vaccines and preventive health decisions.—
Fran Kritz,
Verywell Health,
10 Apr. 2026
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Additionally, unmarried individuals are less likely to seek preventive care or cancer screenings.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There are technological hurdles for SpaceX to carry out its plans.—
The Los Angeles Times,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
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This is because their use can open a Pandora’s box of unexpected hurdles and new challenges in the garden.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Eating more of these plants was most protective for the brain, the researchers found.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2026
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In a declaration attached to a temporary protective order filed against her ex-boyfriend in Utah court Tuesday, Paul detailed four incidents of domestic violence alleged to have been suffered at the hands of Dakota Mortensen.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Moisturizer Moisturizer hydrates your skin and helps maintain the skin barrier.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
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The bill also establishes a solar photovoltaic noise barrier pilot program, which would attach solar panels onto highway sound walls, generating renewable energy while reducing noise pollution by 10-15 decibels, according to lawmakers.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Leger-Walker no longer had to self-create jumpers and could shoot 3-pointers off the catch thanks to the extra defensive attention Betts commanded in the paint.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
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He’s tied for 10th in the NBA in blocks, owns the sixth-best individual defensive rating and ranks fifth in net rating, trailing a select group that includes Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Their flight plan for Friday also included rehearsals of basic medical procedures — including chest compressions and methods to clear airway obstructions — to help prepare future Orion crews for possible emergencies in deep space.—
William Harwood,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Comey was charged with making a false statement and obstruction stemming from his testimony to Congress years earlier.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And no apologies for any embarrassment caused, either.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
9 Apr. 2026
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Most businesses would balk at creating a system that subjects some of its employees to public embarrassment.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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