DETERRENT Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

deterrent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of deterrent

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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deterrent

2 of 2

adjective

as in preventive

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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

To gently keep birds out of your planters, check them often and use subtle deterrents like peppermint cotton balls or shiny hanging strips. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 Additionally, small gravel traps have been added to the final two corners as a natural deterrent, as well as on the approach to Turn 7 — where McLaren’s Oscar Piastri hit trouble in GP qualifying in 2024. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 26 June 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

Noun

Permitting — more than access to capital — is the main obstacle to building out the global energy system, the heads of the natural resources group at JP Morgan’s investment bank write today.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
Finding locations with sufficient grid capacity has become a primary obstacle for technology companies building new facility hubs.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026

Definition of obstacle

Adjective

For many people, the explosion of preventive testing is producing more anxiety than actual health improvement.

— Felicity Yost, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
The partnership provides active and retired NBA players and their families with preferred access to Teladoc Health’s virtual care services, including primary care, 24/7 urgent care and preventive health screenings.

— Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of preventive

Noun

To directly address these technical, safety, and regulatory hurdles, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the international energy technology firm Eni have established a new commercial engineering services company named RH3OVA.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
There are still some hurdles to get Trout to the game this year.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

For all its functional details, like the four protective feet at the base, a spacious interior, and multifunctional pockets, there are fun ones to match.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 July 2026
First, the family in the West African nation of Guinea turned to a traditional healer who suggested protective amulets.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

The laminate reinforces the glass to create a shatter-resistant barrier, preventing shards of glass from flying out during extreme weather.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Staffers wheeled the barriers over from the adjacent University of Washington baseball complex.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of barrier

Adjective

Instead of scoring points, Richard was more focused on making the right defensive rotation, making passes and boxing out.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
The game offers significantly deeper defensive play with smarter zone coverage and 31 playbooks, alongside a new fatigue system.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of defensive

Noun

The change in the law comes after a July 2025 Kansas Supreme Court ruling decided that Kansas officers may no longer stop cars solely for obstruction of a state name on a license plate.

— Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Following significant rainfall events, Public Works evaluates reported flooding locations and responds to maintenance issues, such as debris or drainage obstructions, where appropriate.

— Casey Mann, Arkansas Online, 8 July 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s costly blunder in the 57th minute was an embarrassment that gifted the Belgians a third goal to all but seal the elimination loss.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of embarrassment

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deterrences

deterrent

deterrents

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“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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