deterrent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of deterrentnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
But criminal charges of the sort described by Hegseth are sure to be a bigger deterrent than being banned from the Kalshi or Polymarket platforms. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 In conversation at the Middleburg Film Festival this weekend, the producer shared how the specific approach that director Leah Nelson and her co-screenwriters Sarah Leavitt and Trev Renney was more of a selling point than a deterrent. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 17 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
  1. obstacle
  2. preventive
  3. hurdle
  4. protective
  5. barrier
  6. defensive
  7. obstruction
  8. embarrassment
Noun
  • The vote follows an investigation by The Times that highlighted obstacles faced by people trying to obtain restraining orders in cases of domestic abuse.
    — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Are subtitles still an obstacle for younger American audiences?
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Adjective
  • But the panel, whose recommendations determine the preventive services that insurers must cover, has announced an upcoming update.
    — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Traditionally, software supported those goals through work orders, preventive maintenance schedules and equipment records.
    — Paul Lachance, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of preventive
Noun
  • Clinging to outdated graduation hurdles is no substitute for improving teaching and learning.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Two major South Baltimore housing projects cleared a key hurdle last week, advancing plans for 500 townhomes in Baltimore Peninsula and 122 townhomes in Locust Point.
    — Lauren Breunig, Baltimore Sun, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Adjective
  • The 'gold standard' Grading companies verify a card’s authenticity, assess its condition and seal it in a protective plastic case, known as a slab.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • In this paradigm, productivity can outpace justice, and some security teams, left unchecked, have turned protective tools into instruments of harm.
    — David Niccolini, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of protective
Noun
  • This means the One-All bypasses complex, costly safety barriers like airbags and crash-testing certifications that are needed for passenger cars.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Made with a breathable bamboo-viscose surface and waterproof barrier, it's designed to protect against spills without the uncomfortable crinkling of traditional mattress covers.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of barrier
Adjective
  • Kansas defensive end Leroy Harris III’s assignment was to rush the passer on the most pivotal play of the Jayhawks’ 33-32 loss to UCF on Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Cutforth found a wide-open Riley with a simple swing pass out to the left, giving the junior running back plenty of space to showcase his speed and beat several Rams defensive backs to find the end zone.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of defensive
Noun
  • Some also faced additional charges of falsifying records and obstruction.
    — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Police and prosecutors must investigate threats and obstruction, and pursue violations supported by the evidence.
    — Marc Schneier, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • The latest embarrassment came Sunday, when Gang Green squandered a nine-point halftime lead in a 38-33 loss to the Raiders.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • What readers are saying The comments reflect a general skepticism towards polling, particularly among Republicans, who are perceived as reluctant to participate due to distrust and embarrassment about their political choices.
    — Scott Clement, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

deterrences
deterrent
deterrents
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Cite this Entry

“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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