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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
Sam Liccardo, Mercury News, 12 June 2026
These include 360-degree night-vision CCTV, sonic defense, bear deterrent, and communication systems.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 June 2026
David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
China further benefits from the war’s erosion of the American military deterrent to Chinese ambitions in Taiwan and the South China Sea.
—Sam Liccardo, Mercury News, 12 June 2026
These include 360-degree night-vision CCTV, sonic defense, bear deterrent, and communication systems.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 June 2026
Adjective
Reuters reported last week that the fine would be modest, marking a change in Ribera’s approach with her predecessor’s deterrent hefty fines.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
-
Despite these obstacles, the Cuban government faces a short window for obtaining results, said Paolo Spadoni, associate professor in the Department of Social Sciences at Augusta University in Georgia.—
Andrea Rodríguez,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
-
Rather than simply advocating for preservation, the organization is working directly with property owners to better understand what obstacles stand in the way of restoring some of Hollywood’s most recognizable landmarks.—
Daily News,
Daily News,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
Public health specialists have warned that military members may suffer unnecessary complications from the flu after the vaccination mandate was ended and fear that severe cases will continue to climb in subsequent flu seasons if preventive vaccinations aren't given to those most at risk.—
Luis Martinez,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
-
Some preventive interventions absolutely reduce downstream spending.—
Jeffrey Wessler,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
But the technology still faces hurdles, experts said, and labor groups including the Teamsters are raising alarms over safety and availability of jobs.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
-
Cuban leaders like former President Raúl Castro – who still wields significant power on the island – have sought to push forward more limited reforms of Cuba’s economy in the past, but efforts have run into bureaucratic hurdles.—
Andrea Rodriguez,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
The agency has 29 field protective specialists who assist with patrols and 21 administrative protective specialists who secure MARTA facilities.—
Sara Gregory,
AJC.com,
18 June 2026
-
Vanegas Parra secured an emergency protective order.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Darren Aronofsky has now crossed the AI barrier as well, using it to make a series of web videos about the Revolutionary War.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
18 June 2026
-
Video posted to social media showed the plane on its side and smashed into a highway barrier as the tail was ripped from the fuselage.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
Offensive and defensive lineman Joseph Medina from the class of 2028 has made quite a first impression on Hernandez.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
-
But if not included, Mitchell could stand as part of a lockdown defensive lineup, with his lack of size somewhat compensated by the presences of Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
He was charged with stalking, disturbing the peace and obstruction for failure to identify himself to law enforcement.—
Steven Yablonski,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
Latino drivers made up 38% of stops for window obstruction.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The Moscow attack was the latest embarrassment for Putin.—
Barry Hatton,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
Democrats aren't buying it, saying the White House is simply trying to avoid an embarrassment for the president.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
