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

The Thunder and Spurs are both drive-heavy teams, and Kessler certainly will be needed as a deterrent at the rim for when questionable Lakers defenders get opened up. — Law Murray, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Cutting back the entire daylily plant will allow more light and air circulation, which is a natural pest deterrent. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 8 Sep. 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

The nano-container challenge The concept is promising, but sensitivity remains a major obstacle.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
The Bolsonaro reaction Flávio Bolsonaro, by contrast, criticizes Brazilian democratic institutions – particularly the Supreme Court and the electoral system – as obstacles to restoring the country’s political order.

— Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

Propulsion presents another major hurdle, with researchers involved in the project highlighting the engine core, air intake, and exhaust system as key areas requiring further development.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026
But bureaucratic hurdles, such as long customs checks, and infrastructure that wasn’t designed to handle so much volume have produced massive traffic jams.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

After a first dose, people gain protective antibodies quickly and immunity levels peak within about two weeks.

— Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2026
According to the Polish Armed Forces, the measures include the installation of Hesco bastions — wire and mesh structures filled with sand or gravel that are easy to set up as protective barriers — along with new observation and guard posts.

— Anna Noryskiewicz, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

On the moisturizing side, look for humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea, as well as barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides and cholesterol.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026
The serum-replacing cream repairs the skin barrier and slows cellular aging while deeply hydrating and plumping the complexion.

— Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of barrier

Adjective

Two defensive penalties helped Northwestern keep the drive alive despite an offensive line injury.

— Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
As Hafley and his Dolphins (0-1) get ready to face the 49ers (1-0) in the second game for this new regime in Miami, Hafley took a moment to reflect on his three seasons with San Francisco, as defensive backs coach from 2016 through 2018.

— David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of defensive

Noun

Shapiro says those with dealing with health issues such gallstones or bile duct obstruction, kidney stones, iron-deficiency anemia, and liver disease should consult their doctors.

— Nadine El Chaer, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
Diamond also took the unusual step of recommending that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.

— Eva Andersen, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

Even an Impractical Joker, after hundreds of public challenges and punishments designed to push the limits of embarrassment, could still tense up when a cellphone camera caught him experimenting with a new bit.

— Antonio Ferme, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
There was once an NFL team with an embarrassment of talent amassed on its roster.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

deterrences

deterrent

deterrents

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Style

“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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