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
Walker and Goode both advocate for stiffer sentences as a deterrent, but there doesn’t seem to be any political movement on that front. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 These videos can become powerful propaganda and recruitment material for terrorist organizations rather than act as a deterrent. — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 12 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
  • Icy weather, snowstorms, obstructive foliage and rugged terrain along the wild Rockies were just some of the obstacles Ben Nickell and Anne Koski faced on a 10-year journey to climb the highest point in each of Idaho’s 44 counties.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Long before launch, the team faced obstacles that nearly thwarted the endeavor — chiefly, two rejections from NASA — before finally securing the green light for the $1 billion project under the New Frontiers Program in 2011.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Adjective
  • However, until more of that work is completed, preventive shutoffs remain part of the utility's wildfire safety strategy.
    — Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Authorities also took preventive measures in the port city of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, ahead of the storm, national Civil Protection Coordinator Laura Velázquez said Monday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of preventive
Noun
  • Our main hurdle has always been convincing people to pay for a cinema ticket to watch two episodes of a series.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Most of the K-pop festivals that have been announced over the last few years never went ahead due to various logistical hurdles.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Adjective
  • One possible injury is a subdural hematoma, which is bleeding between the brain and its outer protective covering putting pressure on the brain.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Images show an excavator in the backyard as police in protective gear continue to come and go from the property this week.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of protective
Noun
  • There is a flood of creator content available due to a low barrier to entry, and that is now being accelerated by generative AI tools.
    — William Daddi, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Sometimes, the biggest barrier between a patient and their treatment is not pharmacology.
    — Marcela Gottschald, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of barrier
Adjective
  • The interceptors are among the few defensive weapons capable of knocking down a ballistic missile, and Zelensky has been vocal about his constant struggle to obtain more stocks.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The ball was snapped with five seconds to go and Bowling Green had six defensive backs lined up on the goal line.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of defensive
Noun
  • The subpoenas concern possible obstruction of justice in the handling of cases before federal judges, the source said.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Robertson said those concerns include obstruction of pedestrian and car traffic, collisions into infrastructure, and effects on pets and children.
    — Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • What about art that makes one cringe with embarrassment at its existence?
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Chronicling the hyper-niche behaviors that define our online existence, Berlant describes the seemingly inescapable embarrassment of wasting one’s life away in an endless scroll.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 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 23 Oct. 2026.

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