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
Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Arrests in court will create a deterrent effect on individuals appearing for their court hearings, 90% of individuals placed in removal proceedings attend their hearings, these actions will continue to cause harm, confusion, and are not the way our government should act.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Owen Clarke, Outside, 15 Oct. 2025
The guardsmen would be a deterrent, and also be available nearby to assist CMPD officers who will still be making arrests.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
Allowing China and Russia entry would strengthen other autocratic regimes, reducing the deterrent influence of democratic alliances.
—Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Arrests in court will create a deterrent effect on individuals appearing for their court hearings, 90% of individuals placed in removal proceedings attend their hearings, these actions will continue to cause harm, confusion, and are not the way our government should act.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Adjective
The tool is considered a must-have deterrent when venturing into bear country, though questions remain about its efficacy compared to firearms in fending off charging bears.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 15 Oct. 2025
The guardsmen would be a deterrent, and also be available nearby to assist CMPD officers who will still be making arrests.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
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Shiffrin doesn't view this as an obstacle either, nor something to fear at this stage of the game.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Minister Kabawat’s optimism comes despite immense obstacles.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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One cup of cooked oatmeal already provides about six grams of protein, Stephani Johnson, RDN, DCN, an adjunct professor of clinical and preventive nutrition services at the Rutgers School of Health Professions, told Verywell.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
24 Oct. 2025
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Other preventive measures include not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Shooting presented unique logistical hurdles, with different sequences filmed across multiple golf courses around Manila’s peripheries due to restrictions.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Oct. 2025
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But economists warned Argentina’s assets — and the US government’s bet on Milei’s success — still face hurdles.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Prevent damage to nonstick finishes by using paper towels as a protective layer between pots and pans.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
24 Oct. 2025
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This trend reflects a growing demand for versatile protective styles beyond traditional knotless braids.—
Donnetta Monk,
Essence,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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By deploying solvers on scalable cloud platforms, firms avoid the need for expensive local hardware, lowering barriers for CAE adoption among businesses.—
Ni Tao,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Oct. 2025
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Magazine collaging, in particular, is enjoying a revitalization for adults seeking a low-barrier entry into mixed-media art.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Strong defensive line play from both sides kept the game low scoring, but a second-quarter interception returned for a touchdown and a lengthy fourth-quarter drive provided all the offense Thayer needed to pull off a 14-0 upset victory over the previously unbeaten Lions.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
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Shortstop is Mayer's natural position, and by moving Story over to second base, the team can maximize the young star's defensive potential and try to reduce their defensive miscues for next season.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Arrests were made for offenses including obstruction of the highway, hindering law enforcement duties, and assault on police.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Oct. 2025
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Observing and recording law enforcement is generally protected, but warning people to avoid arrest or physically interfering with ICE operations could be considered obstruction.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The scandal resulted in major embarrassment to the royal family and effectively ended her official royal role.—
Ashley Hume , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
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Teens say access to period products has gotten better, but their menstrual cycles are still a source of embarrassment.—
Beth Ann Mayer,
Parents,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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