deterrent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of deterrentnext
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

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
Keep device password protection current, and don’t rely on the screen lock alone as a deterrent against physical theft. — Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026 Prosecutors sought the longer sentence as a deterrent to future attacks on Jewish institutions amid a rise in antisemitic hate crimes. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 30 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
  1. obstacle
  2. preventive
  3. hurdle
  4. protective
  5. barrier
  6. defensive
  7. obstruction
  8. embarrassment
Noun
  • When children are experiencing poor educational outcomes, at what point does opposition to an alternative become an obstacle to giving families another opportunity?
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Kids today face tremendous obstacles, but perhaps because of the pandemic, many, like Keira, are well-rounded and involved in work, school, extracurricular activities and devoted to their friends and family.
    — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Adjective
  • Education about the risks and preventive measures like masking would help, too.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible.
    — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of preventive
Noun
  • Russia's small and medium businesses already have been hit hard by tax increases, regulatory hurdles and, most recently, a fuel crisis from attacks on oil refineries.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Harper Hutton, 12, of Aurora Flyers, placed second in the girls pentathlon high jump, fourth in the pentathlon 80-meter hurdles and pentathlon long jump and fifth in the girls pentathlon shot put.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Adjective
  • The market is still concentrated right now, with US consumers mainly seeing sun-protective clothing in trendy athleisure – think Lululemon, REI and Nike.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • This liquid blend forces a protective layer of formamidinium iodide to gather naturally on the top surface of the crystal.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of protective
Noun
  • Subsurface barrier walls are frequently used to block saltwater intrusion and protect buildings from groundwater, for example.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Spain has also installed floating barriers in the waters where migrants had previously swam across.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of barrier
Adjective
  • The Bills were in nickel for 70 percent of their plays through the three series, meaning only two defensive linemen were on the field.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • During training camp, Donald did a workout in front of defensive line coach Giff Smith and Rams trainers.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of defensive
Noun
  • Mitchell served 19 months of a two-and-a-half-year sentence for conspiracy and obstruction of justice in the Watergate scandal.
    — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • More critically, the obstruction blocks the flow of water and nutrients.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • When service is done and cleaned up, both Joy and Kayley cry tears of embarrassment and frustration.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Their love is expressed through proximity, embarrassment, loyalty, silence, and simply remaining present.
    — Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

deterrences
deterrent
deterrents
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on deterrent

Nglish: Translation of deterrent for Spanish Speakers

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