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
The recruitment pipeline Cohen's and Gur's prison sentences may not have been a lasting deterrent for store owners or prospective salespeople. — Monika Evstatieva, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026 Officials began to doubt if public executions served as a deterrent to crime. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 14 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
  1. obstacle
  2. preventive
  3. hurdle
  4. protective
  5. barrier
  6. defensive
  7. obstruction
  8. embarrassment
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
  • One of the main hurdles in dealing with it is the question of authority.
    — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • In practical terms, this means disabled patrons should be able to buy a ticket as easily as anyone else, get into the venue without extra hurdles, move through the space unimpeded, and have a safe place to experience the show.
    — Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Adjective
  • Throw on a pair of protective gloves before attempting any tasks that are hard on the nails or hands — whether that’s gardening or cleaning the house or lifting rough objects.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2026
  • While Lakshmana’s actions are presented as ways of protecting Sita, the mockery and teasing make the disfigurement hard to be seen as purely defensive and protective.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of protective
Noun
  • One of the key issues has been cultural and religious barriers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Israel regularly imposes restrictions on movement across the Palestinian occupied territory with some 925 checkpoints, roadblocks, earth mounds and other barriers.
    — Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of barrier
Adjective
  • Senior linebacker Boen Phelps led the run defense with six tackles and an interception, while junior defensive lineman Lopez Sanusi ended with a game-high two sacks.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 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

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 7 Nov. 2026.

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