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
as in preventive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterrent
Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Schoen doesn’t believe his presence will be a deterrent to coaching candidates.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 5 Jan. 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
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw test-flights of hypersonic missiles and called for a stronger nuclear war deterrent, state media said Monday, as Pyongyang ramps up weapons displays ahead of a major political conference.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Schoen doesn’t believe his presence will be a deterrent to coaching candidates.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 5 Jan. 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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Throughout both films, Stern's Marv is subjected to some of the worst obstacles set up to protect Keven, including stepping on a nail barefoot, taking a hot iron to the face and bricks to the head, and surviving an electrocution.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Alignment is the key to overcoming obstacles.—
Karen Hinds,
Hartford Courant,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The discovery, which was made in 2024 but not announced until December, was carried out by Inrap, France's national institution for preventive archaeology.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The event drew over 200 attendees seeking preventive care, clinical services and Medi-Cal enrollment.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But that process was slowed by procedural hurdles.—
Megan O’Matz,
ProPublica,
13 Jan. 2026
-
While still a hurdle for million of Americans, financing costs have eased slightly in recent months.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
With all that protective cushioning, the Active5K sneaker also provides an extra boost of height.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
-
To blend both sides of her culture, the Black Panther actress opted for a blunt bob that uses one of the oldest protective styles in the book.—
Elise Tabin,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In some instances, the county will erect physical barriers, including locking the gates to county facilities.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
This gap has been one of the biggest barriers to deploying robots in dynamic, unstructured environments.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Cowboys rookie defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku was arrested and booked on a charge of reckless driving on Sunday night in Collin County, according to court records.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
At safety, Los Angeles Rams defensive back Kamren Curl feels like the right guy for the post job.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Legal experts say the safest approach is to keep your distance, follow lawful orders, and avoid actions that could be interpreted as obstruction.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Swart said mixing peaceful protesters with individuals engaging in obstruction creates serious safety risks, as officers cannot easily distinguish between lawful demonstrators and agitators.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The current Giants are built to avoid embarrassment, not maximize upside — and Super Bowls require risk.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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