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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deterrent

2 of 2

adjective

as in preventive

Related Words

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

Advertisement But the response may not have succeeded as a deterrent. — Connor Greene, Time, 7 July 2026 Lavender, rosemary, and basil are other effective natural pest deterrents. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 6 July 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

In France, youth sports are heavily subsidized by local municipalities and community groups, substantially lowering the barrier for entry.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
In an era where youth sports can cost parents thousands of dollars, a new no-cost league in the historic Northeast neighborhoods launched by the Kansas City Current aims to break down the financial barrier.

— PJ Green July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 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

In the first half of the album, Dean explores unstable characters—bearing some resemblance, perhaps, to their indie-sleaze peers—with both second-hand embarrassment and fascination.

— Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
By every ordinary rule of public life, the South Station scene should have induced annoyance or caused embarrassment.

— Julia Dhar, Time, 11 July 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

deterrences

deterrent

deterrents

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on deterrent

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

yaw

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes