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 recruitment pipeline Cohen's and Gur's prison sentences may not have been a lasting deterrent for store owners or prospective salespeople. — Monika Evstatieva, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026 Officials began to doubt if public executions served as a deterrent to crime. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Oct. 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

Amazon Watch, a nonprofit focused on environmental protection and Indigenous rights, also welcomed Lula’s victory while warning of legislative obstacles.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Still, around 42% of marketers (linked in the Mediaocean research above) say that getting good quality data (or being able to access it) is a major obstacle, and only 10% have all their ad technology systems fully integrated.

— Ivan Guzenko, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Adjective

Either the virus killed them or they were culled as a preventive measure to stop the spread of the disease, according to the World Animal Health Information System.

— Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Understanding the specific causes helps parents and taxpayers assess whether school officials took reasonable preventive measures and what needs to change.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of preventive

Noun

That's good news for home shoppers, but may not be enough to overcome the affordability hurdles keeping many prospective homebuyers out of the market.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
On Wednesday, the Republican House speaker acknowledged his party’s hurdles while stumping for congressional candidate Kevin Lincoln in Stockton in the Central Valley.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

Throw on a pair of protective gloves before attempting any tasks that are hard on the nails or hands — whether that’s gardening or cleaning the house or lifting rough objects.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2026
While Lakshmana’s actions are presented as ways of protecting Sita, the mockery and teasing make the disfigurement hard to be seen as purely defensive and protective.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of protective

Adjective

Senior linebacker Boen Phelps led the run defense with six tackles and an interception, while junior defensive lineman Lopez Sanusi ended with a game-high two sacks.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of defensive

Noun

Riverdale In Riverdale, three candidates filed to run for mayor, including former Trustee Cassandra Riley-Pinkney, who was appointed interim mayor after former Mayor Lawrence Jackson was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice in November.

— Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Don’t hide files or shut down computers; doing so would look like obstruction.

— Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

Also, keep extra toilet paper visible, your hand soap full and some air freshener on the counter, so everyone can use the bathroom without embarrassment or disgust.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
The league is a farce and an embarrassment to our country, not thier country.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

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deterrences

deterrent

deterrents

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“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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