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

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 Similarly, adjusting operations during periods of high bat activity can go a long way, as well as using deterrent technologies where appropriate. — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 26 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

For many commercial fleets, access to fueling has remained one of the biggest obstacles to adopting natural gas vehicles.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026
Unlike Lake Michigan, debris and garbage settle along the riverbed and near the banks, forcing divers to search through sediment and obstacles while currents continue to move beneath the surface.

— Darius Johnson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Adjective

In the past year, the guards performed 300 water rescues and 65,000 preventive actions, such as blowing a whistle or stopping unsafe play, said Alexandra Bagwell, the city’s chief of Ocean Rescue, which serves as the event’s host.

— Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Maintaining healthy eating habits (60%), taking supplements or vitamins (58%), and keeping up with preventive screenings and check-ups (52%) also ranked highly.

— Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of preventive

Noun

Prosecutors will have to overcome a few key hurdles in their case.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
With so many advancements underway, the biggest hurdle may be the federal Nuclear Waste Policy Act, which essentially bars any permanent nuclear waste disposal licensing outside of Yucca Mountain, a project that is now, again, essentially defunct.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

The data from those animal trials showed a 400 percent uptick in lifespan, largely thanks to Klotho’s protective impact on the brain.

— Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, resulting in numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

Although most of the migrants have since gone back, more than 80 migrants died, including some who drowned or were trampled in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier, according to Spanish and Moroccan authorities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Financing, along with bureaucratic hurdles the city has attempted to address, are often the largest barriers for developments like the Stockton Boulevard hotel, said Councilmember Caity Maple.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of barrier

Adjective

Thrust into the starting lineup due to Iliana Rupert’s pregnancy announcement, Stokes has started every game at center this season and is in the conversation for the WNBA all-defensive team.

— Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
In December, just before the transfer portal opened, Rome named Bobby Blizzard and Le’Marcus Gibson, who both coached at Hampton, his offensive and defensive coordinators.

— Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of defensive

Noun

Tracey was arrested days after the incident and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, harassment and obstruction.

— Adam Sabes , Preston Mizell, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, is charged separately with conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction.

— Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

In turn, there is a perception that the endeavor is one big cash grab, one that is not worth the risk of embarrassment if the film fails critically and/or commercially.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 31 July 2026
Our state’s ballot access laws are an anti-democratic embarrassment.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026

Definition of embarrassment

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deterrences

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“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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