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 city found an effective deterrent for thefts at streetlights and other locations. — Seamus Bozeman follow, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 How to stay safe from bears while hiking The Alaska Department of Fish and Game advises hikers to travel in groups, make plenty of noise, carry a deterrent, ensure control of any pets and carry communication equipment when hiking in bear country. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 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

Shifting resources toward preventive and community-based care can improve health outcomes through earlier diagnosis and treatment and better management of chronic diseases.

— Runchana Pongsaparn, Fortune, 31 July 2026
High-end enclaves increasingly integrate on-site medical professionals, wellness programming and preventive care facilities.

— Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of preventive

Noun

When firefighters identify dangerous wildfire hazards, the solution shouldn’t be delayed by endless procedural hurdles.

— Ruben Grijalva, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2026
The deal faces hurdles over whether the Israeli or Hamas portion of the agreement should take place first, NPR's Franco Ordoñez tells Up First.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

When working with herbicides, wear protective eyewear and gloves, and keep pets and children away from the area.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
In effect, each lane served as both a roadway for its own traffic and a protective guardrail for the lane beside it.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

Like many inland dikes, the barrier in agricultural fields near the small town of Waddinxveen, east of The Hague, is made of peat that needs to be damp to be strong enough to hold back water.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Replacing barriers with highways To understand the new design, imagine a conventional topological photonic chip as a road surrounded by wide safety barriers.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of barrier

Adjective

Ounahi, 26, impressed last season and at the World Cup, offering versatility in attacking midfield or on the wing, despite not being a direct defensive replacement for De Jong.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Garrett’s influence could be magnified if Donald, a three-time defensive player of the year, ends a two-year retirement to pursue another Super Bowl ring.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 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

deterrent

deterrents

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“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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