as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterrent
Chris Mahoney, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Despite the rising popularity of these GLP-1 drugs in India, the price remains a key deterrent.
—Priyanka Salve,elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 23 Mar. 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
Legal risk is also a growing deterrent.
—Chris Mahoney, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Despite the rising popularity of these GLP-1 drugs in India, the price remains a key deterrent.
—Priyanka Salve,elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 23 Mar. 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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While there wasn’t a 7-foot-4 obstacle blocking the lane, the Clippers still couldn’t get out of their own way and lost to the Spurs for the third time in less than a month, 118-99, at the Intuit Dome.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
3 Apr. 2026
-
At the same time, the physicists don’t see any insurmountable obstacles.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Bassan said she was also inspired by actor Angelina Jolie, who disclosed her own preventive mastectomy in a 2013 column in The New York Times.—
Brett Kelman,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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Mobile clinics help close this gap by bringing preventive, primary, and behavioral health care directly to where people live, work, and gather.—
Crystal Cene,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There are technological hurdles for SpaceX to carry out its plans.—
The Los Angeles Times,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
-
This is because their use can open a Pandora’s box of unexpected hurdles and new challenges in the garden.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Rabell was pressured to sign money transfers and a power of attorney document and pay a $2,000 deposit to an owner, adult protective investigator Eneida Senrra said under oath to Gardner, the Inspector General investigator.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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Once Orion blazes through Earth's atmosphere, a protective heat shield will be cast off to make way for parachutes to deploy and slow the vehicle down.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Chanse Jones, a spokesperson for the leading trade association for pharmaceutical companies, PhRMA, said pharmacy benefit managers and insurers are creating access and affordability barriers for patients even as manufacturers try to expand access.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Yet work demands, caregiving responsibilities, fear, lack of coverage and distrust of the healthcare system can all create barriers for individuals seeking care.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Leger-Walker no longer had to self-create jumpers and could shoot 3-pointers off the catch thanks to the extra defensive attention Betts commanded in the paint.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
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He’s tied for 10th in the NBA in blocks, owns the sixth-best individual defensive rating and ranks fifth in net rating, trailing a select group that includes Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Their flight plan for Friday also included rehearsals of basic medical procedures — including chest compressions and methods to clear airway obstructions — to help prepare future Orion crews for possible emergencies in deep space.—
William Harwood,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Comey was charged with making a false statement and obstruction stemming from his testimony to Congress years earlier.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Pok rounded his building's corner, head down, embarrassment pounding at his ears and rain pelting the nape of his neck.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Studies have found that embarrassment around menstruation remains common, with many girls reporting anxiety about leaks, staining or being noticed by peers.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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