Synonyms of deterrent

deterrent 1 of 2

noun

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

• obstacle
• hurdle
• barrier
• obstruction
• embarrassment
• interference
• hindrance
• impediment
• let
• burden
• inhibition
• chain
• encumbrance
• stop
• handicap
• constraint
• stumbling block
• shackles
• block
• load
• balk
• hitch
• cramp
• delay
• danger
• holdback
• clog
• trammel
• drag
• disadvantage
• brake
• manacle
• bar
• curb
• restraint
• blockade
• crimp
• fetter
• arrest
• stone wall
• hazard
• rub
• catch
• blockage
• difficulty
• brick wall
• drawback
• hardship
• embargo
• rein
• stoppage
• snag
• bit
• stall
• peril
• holdup
• reef
• hobble
• adversity
• check
• cumber

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• stimulus
• impetus
• catalyst
• advantage
• spur
• stimulant
• benefit
• assistance
• edge
• aid
• goad
• break
• help
• boost
• handmaiden

deterrent

2 of 2

adjective

as in preventive

Related Words

• preventive
• protective
• defensive
• self-protective
• safe
• secure

Dissimilar Words

• offensive
• aggressive
• belligerent
• militant
• warlike
• combative
• pugnacious
• contentious
• truculent
• quarrelsome
• bellicose
• in-your-face
• scrappy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deterrent

Noun

But armed officers dressed in camouflage alongside military vehicles have apparently not acted as enough of a deterrent to petty criminals. — Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Birds get used to most deterrents after a time and learn to ignore them. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 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