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

Its nuclear deterrent is modernized and efficient; its army is larger, and its navy far more deployable than that of its British counterpart. — Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026 Defence spending as a share of GDP has dropped since 1986, when Cold War priorities and the United States' role as NATO's key nuclear deterrent against the Soviet Union drove higher defense spending. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 7 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

Despite the obstacles, families will be moving into the two units within the next few weeks and will be able to stay for as long as necessary.

— Julianna Mejia July 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
Any effort to federalize or take over elections would face serious legal obstacles, said Nahal Kazemi, a Chapman University law professor.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of obstacle

Adjective

The strategy illustrates how large pet-food companies increasingly see nutrition as part of preventive health care rather than simply feeding pets.

— Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
For example, a woman with a BRCA1 variant can begin mammograms and MRI screening in her twenties or consider preventive surgery.

— William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of preventive

Noun

Yet another hurdle is Chicago Parking Meters itself, which has threatened to sue the city if the council doesn’t approve the Stonepeak deal.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
For instance, non-invasive EEG systems generally capture weaker and noisier signals than implanted brain devices, making accuracy and reliability critical hurdles.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

Among the most successful hits was against UKRTAC, a Ukrainian defense company responsible for producing body armor, helmets, tactical gear, and other protective equipment.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026
He was arrested again by Danbury police in March 2023 for violating a protective order, and in May 2023 for threatening and for violating a protective order, according to court records.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

Formulas that contain a high percentage of salicylic acid are always too strong for me, ripping through my skin’s barrier and causing more breakouts and irritation.

— Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 18 July 2026
But sometimes just thinking about tackling those jobs can feel exhausting, creating a barrier to success even for people who are highly motivated to improve their homes and their lives by exerting control over their belongings.

— Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 18 July 2026

Definition of barrier

Adjective

Swainsboro’s Dwight Smith has served as team water boy, player, defensive coordinator and now head coach.

— Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
The openness was in stark contrast to the defensive, tactical precision and gnawing tension that make the matches surrounding this one so captivating, but which can stifle some of sport’s beauty and brilliance.

— Sergio Gonzalez, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of defensive

Noun

Land's End is one of the best places on mainland Britain to watch the eclipse because of its vast Atlantic horizon and minimal obstruction toward the west-northwest.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 15 July 2026
Frequently check for obstructions in the material, like staples or screws, and keep two hands on the saw to improve control and stability.

— Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 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

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deterrences

deterrent

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“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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