deterrent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of deterrentnext
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

deterrent

2 of 2

adjective

as in preventive

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Dissimilar Words

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
Keep device password protection current, and don’t rely on the screen lock alone as a deterrent against physical theft. — Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026 Prosecutors sought the longer sentence as a deterrent to future attacks on Jewish institutions amid a rise in antisemitic hate crimes. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 30 July 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
  1. obstacle
  2. preventive
  3. hurdle
  4. protective
  5. barrier
  6. defensive
  7. obstruction
  8. embarrassment
Noun
  • When children are experiencing poor educational outcomes, at what point does opposition to an alternative become an obstacle to giving families another opportunity?
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Kids today face tremendous obstacles, but perhaps because of the pandemic, many, like Keira, are well-rounded and involved in work, school, extracurricular activities and devoted to their friends and family.
    — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Adjective
  • Education about the risks and preventive measures like masking would help, too.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible.
    — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of preventive
Noun
  • Prosecutors will have to overcome a few key hurdles in their case.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • With so many advancements underway, the biggest hurdle may be the federal Nuclear Waste Policy Act, which essentially bars any permanent nuclear waste disposal licensing outside of Yucca Mountain, a project that is now, again, essentially defunct.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Adjective
  • The data from those animal trials showed a 400 percent uptick in lifespan, largely thanks to Klotho’s protective impact on the brain.
    — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, resulting in numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of protective
Noun
  • Subsurface barrier walls are frequently used to block saltwater intrusion and protect buildings from groundwater, for example.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Spain has also installed floating barriers in the waters where migrants had previously swam across.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of barrier
Adjective
  • Thrust into the starting lineup due to Iliana Rupert’s pregnancy announcement, Stokes has started every game at center this season and is in the conversation for the WNBA all-defensive team.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In December, just before the transfer portal opened, Rome named Bobby Blizzard and Le’Marcus Gibson, who both coached at Hampton, his offensive and defensive coordinators.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of defensive
Noun
  • Mitchell served 19 months of a two-and-a-half-year sentence for conspiracy and obstruction of justice in the Watergate scandal.
    — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • More critically, the obstruction blocks the flow of water and nutrients.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • For the Indian government, the scandal was seen by some a political embarrassment, triggering protests by the opposition.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety has helped leaders understand why employees need to be able to raise concerns, admit mistakes, and ask questions without fear of punishment or embarrassment.
    — Brian Eason, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

deterrences
deterrent
deterrents
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Cite this Entry

“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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