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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Dissimilar Words

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 deterrent was installed Thursday at Otto and Estate drives. — Nina Burns, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 Long lines can be a strong deterrent to voting, especially for Black and Latino voters, who on average have experienced longer waits than white voters, according to a June 2020 report by the Brennan Center for Justice. — Time Staff, Time, 3 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
  • There’s outward social and internalized pressure on the Dashwood sisters to marry, and do it quickly, but per any Austen tale, the path is blotchy and blocked by obstacles and second-guessing.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
  • During robot operation, LiDAR supplies information about the surrounding environment, helping the framework account for obstacles and available clearance.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Adjective
  • Despite this wealth of foreknowledge, no preventive measures were taken.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Russian health authorities reported a full range of preventive measures had been carried out — including tracing of the dead woman’s contacts, medical monitoring and lab tests, WHO said Wednesday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of preventive
Noun
  • Credentials, required in 85 percent of growing jobs, are the most common hurdle workers must overcome.
    — Eric Kutcher, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Legal hurdles Ortiz was brought to the country at 9 months old without legal status.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Adjective
  • Together, these threats underscore the need for ongoing protective measures.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Some believed that phallic icons served as protective amulets against infertility and evil spirits, thus leading to their incorporation in performances, art, and architecture.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of protective
Noun
  • Junna is eager to become a mother, although several legal barriers prevent her from accessing sperm donations or fertility treatment.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • European textile recycling alliance ReHubs has appointed Béatrice Moureaux chief executive officer as the organization works to address the investment and demand barriers holding back textile-to-textile recycling capacity in Europe.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of barrier
Adjective
  • The Wildcats briefly generated momentum when defensive back Kenneth Anderson intercepted a Southwest pass at the Dunbar 31-yard line, but the Raiders quickly regained control.
    — Shiloh Robinson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2026
  • On this weekend’s episode, the comedian accidentally dropped an F-bomb while playing the Cat in the Hat’s (Mikey Day) defensive son who is suspicious of Sam I Am (Andrew Dismukes) pressuring him to eat green eggs and ham.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of defensive
Noun
  • Much of Argentina is flat, allowing AM signals to travel hundreds of miles without obstruction.
    — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Thompson was charged and ended up pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and one count of misprision of a felony.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • The drama that animates Mud is a Sisyphean one, and Wolf casts herself as agent of her own embarrassment and woe.
    — Enzo Escober, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to Epstein have been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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