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
as in preventive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterrent
Rodrigo Tardin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
The use of the smoke has significantly changed with civil unrest, Mesloh said, as it’s now often used as a visual deterrent and warning sign.
—Minneapolis Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
While reducing ship speeds can protect whales from collisions, establishing fishing exclusion zones and using acoustic deterrents can prevent dolphins from becoming entangled in nets.
—Rodrigo Tardin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
The use of the smoke has significantly changed with civil unrest, Mesloh said, as it’s now often used as a visual deterrent and warning sign.
—Minneapolis Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Reuters reported last week that the fine would be modest, marking a change in Ribera’s approach with her predecessor’s deterrent hefty fines.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
-
Why cruise lines conduct safety drills Safety drills, also called muster drills, are not the brainchild of a sadistic cruise ship officer, trying to place obstacles between cruise guests and their sunbathing and cocktails.—
Erica Silverstein,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
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University officials tried to reassure the campus that the impacts of the new policy would be minimal, affecting only a small portion of the classes being offered and that class cancellations wouldn’t create any obstacles preventing students from staying on course to graduate.—
Juan A. Lozano,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Mon Lumière offers a smart alternative to complicated routines and costly in-office treatments, delivering an easy system that supports both preventive and corrective care with comfort and consistency.—
William Jones
January 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
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Since there’s no preventive or curative medicine, avoiding infection is the best course of action.—
Devika Rao,
TheWeek,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The first major hurdle was genetics and to solve it, the research team built a dedicated breeding base in Lueyang county in Shaanxi, where Northwest A&F University is based.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Jan. 2026
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Because they are considered low-impact, Type II actions are exempt from the full SEQRA environmental review process, which saves time and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.—
Carlina Rivera,
New York Daily News,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Those prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or state law include those with a felony conviction, anyone convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or anyone subject to a domestic violence protective order.—
Paul Kiefer,
jsonline.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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And numerous studies, including new research in 2025, show covid vaccine benefits include a reduction in the severity of disease, although the protective effects wane over time.—
Stephanie Armour,
Miami Herald,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Reframing Negotiation as Collaboration Perhaps the biggest mental barrier is viewing negotiation as conflict.—
Kwame Christian Esq,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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For all the progress in the lab, though, money remains a major barrier.—
Ana Castelain,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Duggan, who grew up in Cincinnati, was hired as a defensive assistant by the Packers in March 2024 — six weeks after Hafley left Boston College to become the Packers’ defensive coordinator.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
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With contact skills suited for the Roaring ’20s, along with an almost total lack of power and defensive abilities that come with a blindfold sold separately, Arraez is both a star player and a liability.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Renee Good’s killing raised the profile of the resistance, as well as questions about the lines between observation and obstruction.—
Eric Roper,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
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Howard County Circuit Court Judge Stephanie Porter also found Zeah guilty on one of two obstruction of justice charges, but didn't convict on the other.—
Dennis Valera,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Panic, self-doubt, and embarrassment set in.—
Meg Walters,
Glamour,
29 Jan. 2026
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The latter, of course, gives better info, and the former gives fleeting metaphors and nearly faints from embarrassment.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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