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

Officials advise sailors not to use deterrent measures that could kill, injure or disturb the cetaceans. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Bipartisan critics also argue a physical barrier in the region doesn't make sense, as the mountains, river and desert that make up the harsh landscape serve as a natural deterrent. — Lexi Salazar, CBS News, 17 Aug. 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

Travelers leaving Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s other territory in North Africa, are subject to exit checks at ports and airports, an obstacle for migrants who enter the territories illegally and hope to reach the European continent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
The design is meant to move around any obstacles, including the free weights collection near your pilates mat, meaning no more sweaty spots in your home gym.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Adjective

Family relationships showed the strongest protective effect, and school connectedness also served as a preventive measure.

— Jonathan Wright, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Anyone with a bedbug issue at their home is prohibited from entering any Ypsilanti District Library branch as a preventive measure.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of preventive

Noun

An open field across from the Dean and Barbara White Southlake YMCA could potentially be the site of Crown Point’s first pet adoption and resource center but multiple hurdles still remain.

— Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
The organizations, specialists and larger coalition of the willing have to contend with these hurdles.

— Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

Buc-ee's has defended the lawsuit as protective of its valuable trademark.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
The Rocky Hill Police Department obtained an arrest warrant charging his with murder and violation of a standing criminal protective order, police said.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

But even when care is available, stigma can still present a huge barrier.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Beyond removing the psychological and practical barrier of injections, oral formulations are not reliant on syringes or refrigeration and are cheaper to manufacture.

— Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of barrier

Adjective

Aside from defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude, there’s not much pro talent on the 2026 roster.

— Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Buford is known for its depth across its entire roster, but coach Bryant Appling did note that four freshmen played on the defensive line against Gainesville.

— Jack Leo, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of defensive

Noun

Rachel Moser is charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering of evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse and obstruction.

— Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Some may also face charges for battery, obstruction and resisting a police officer.

— Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

My guess is the players might work a little harder to entertain the fans instead of turning what should have been a showcase event into the embarrassment that was this year’s All-Star Weekend.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
And with many of these videos racking up millions of views, the ensuing embarrassment for the unwitting subjects can be palpable.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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