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 Thunder and Spurs are both drive-heavy teams, and Kessler certainly will be needed as a deterrent at the rim for when questionable Lakers defenders get opened up. — Law Murray, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Cutting back the entire daylily plant will allow more light and air circulation, which is a natural pest deterrent. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 8 Sep. 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

The nano-container challenge The concept is promising, but sensitivity remains a major obstacle.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
The Bolsonaro reaction Flávio Bolsonaro, by contrast, criticizes Brazilian democratic institutions – particularly the Supreme Court and the electoral system – as obstacles to restoring the country’s political order.

— Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

And Starship will have other hurdles to clear as well, even if today's flight goes perfectly.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026
View gallery - 3 images A robotic suit that lets someone with a spinal-cord injury stand up, look a friend in the eye, or stir a pot on the stove without anyone's help just cleared its biggest hurdle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

The stories say the ghosts are believed to be protective and not evil.

— Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
When the skin’s community of protective bacteria was suppressed with antibiotics, the frogs became more likely to develop signs of disease.

— Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

The Romeoville barrier does not protect the Des Plaines River above where the river and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal join.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
Despite a strong résumé, Buchanan has encountered various barriers to entry throughout his career.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of barrier

Noun

Shapiro says those with dealing with health issues such gallstones or bile duct obstruction, kidney stones, iron-deficiency anemia, and liver disease should consult their doctors.

— Nadine El Chaer, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
Diamond also took the unusual step of recommending that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.

— Eva Andersen, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

Even an Impractical Joker, after hundreds of public challenges and punishments designed to push the limits of embarrassment, could still tense up when a cellphone camera caught him experimenting with a new bit.

— Antonio Ferme, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
There was once an NFL team with an embarrassment of talent amassed on its roster.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

deterrences

deterrent

deterrents

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Style

“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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