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

Russia's small and medium businesses already have been hit hard by tax increases, regulatory hurdles and, most recently, a fuel crisis from attacks on oil refineries.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Harper Hutton, 12, of Aurora Flyers, placed second in the girls pentathlon high jump, fourth in the pentathlon 80-meter hurdles and pentathlon long jump and fifth in the girls pentathlon shot put.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

The market is still concentrated right now, with US consumers mainly seeing sun-protective clothing in trendy athleisure – think Lululemon, REI and Nike.

— Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
This liquid blend forces a protective layer of formamidinium iodide to gather naturally on the top surface of the crystal.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

Subsurface barrier walls are frequently used to block saltwater intrusion and protect buildings from groundwater, for example.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026
Spain has also installed floating barriers in the waters where migrants had previously swam across.

— Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of barrier

Adjective

The Bills were in nickel for 70 percent of their plays through the three series, meaning only two defensive linemen were on the field.

— Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
During training camp, Donald did a workout in front of defensive line coach Giff Smith and Rams trainers.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 16 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

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 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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