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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterrent
Darya Tarasova, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
According to the Federation of American Scientists' Nuclear Information Project, France's fleet of four ballistic missile submarines serves as the backbone of the country's nuclear deterrent, with three submarines expected to be available for patrol.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Arrests in court will create a deterrent effect on individuals appearing for their court hearings, 90% of individuals placed in removal proceedings attend their hearings, these actions will continue to cause harm, confusion, and are not the way our government should act.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
Russia’s nuclear deterrent must be prepared to face any threat, Belousov said, pointing out that his country’s central test site Novaya Zemlya is ready for any nuclear tests.
—Darya Tarasova, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
According to the Federation of American Scientists' Nuclear Information Project, France's fleet of four ballistic missile submarines serves as the backbone of the country's nuclear deterrent, with three submarines expected to be available for patrol.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Allowing China and Russia entry would strengthen other autocratic regimes, reducing the deterrent influence of democratic alliances.
—Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Arrests in court will create a deterrent effect on individuals appearing for their court hearings, 90% of individuals placed in removal proceedings attend their hearings, these actions will continue to cause harm, confusion, and are not the way our government should act.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
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Yet, their durability remained the key obstacle to commercial deployment.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
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What resists smooth transmission isn’t an obstacle to communication, but part of its meaning and texture.—
Ross Benjamin,
The Atlantic,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Despite over a century of investigation, there is still no cure, but advances in diagnostic tools, treatments and preventive strategies continue to offer hope for slowing the disease and improving quality of life for patients and caregivers.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
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For children, Arizona consistently ranks below the national average for preventive dental visits.—
Sixteen Ramos,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Now that some Democrats have signaled new support for reopening the government, Congress has to clear a number of procedural hurdles.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
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Lawmakers must still approve the final version of the continuing resolution and spending package, a process that could take several more days if all 100 senators don’t agree to waive procedural hurdles.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Many women with natural hair can empathize with the breakage concerns and tediousness that can arise when taking down protective styles.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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Some dietary supplements can help with bloating by improving factors like gut bacteria, digestion, and the gut’s protective barrier.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Finally, high-income countries should eliminate or suspend tariffs on and other barriers to imports from economies with fragile food security.—
ARIF HUSAIN,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Nov. 2025
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Troops once used stands of trees or other natural barriers to defend themselves against small offensives.—
Thomas Wright,
The Atlantic,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Dak Brinkley shows pass rushing ability KU freshman defensive end Dak Brinkley recorded the first two sacks of his college career on back-to-back plays in the second quarter.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
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On the defensive end, Josh Moten had 3 of the 5 Southern Miss interceptions and 6 tackles.—
Michael Harley,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The charges included conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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Look for the nearest tree, fence, building, car, or other obstruction to duck behind.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Remember his embarrassment after winning the 2016 presidential election but losing the national popular vote?—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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For years now, Fuentes has been both an embarrassment to the right and an indicator of what’s brewing in the id of conservatism.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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