DETERRENTS Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

deterrents

noun

plural of deterrent

as in obstacles

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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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 deterrents Nuisance complaint If someone were to lodge a nuisance complaint about a cat colony, the first thing the department would offer is deterrents, Knicely said. —

Eva Flowe june 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 Try Natural Deterrents Aside from scented plants, some natural deterrents may also keep ticks at bay, including natural sprays that contain garlic, mint, or marigold extract. —

Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026 The truth is that squirrels are a common rodent, and a little bit of damage caused by these critters might not be that big of a deal, and not worth the hassle of figuring out a bunch of different deterrents. —

Molly Burford, Southern Living, 6 June 2026 Retaliation and alienation from team-mates and friends were also deterrents from speaking out, according to the report. —

Megan Feringa, New York Times, 3 June 2026 Natural deterrents like peppermint oil and other scent barriers can help keep rats away without harm. —

Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026 Scare tactics, physical barriers, unpleasant deterrents, and lack of resources should keep squirrels away. —

Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 28 May 2026 If an unknown person enters the property perimeter, the system can trigger deterrents including warning lights and voice alerts. —

Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Codependent superpowers The truce between Beijing and Washington might be more durable this time as both sides now possess more credible economic deterrents against each other. —

Neil Shearing, Time, 20 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrents

Noun

For more than 48 hours, captain Lillian Zulu had been trying to keep her squad's spirits high despite mounting obstacles.

— Ryan Lenora Brown, NPR, 14 June 2026
One of Whaley’s biggest obstacles was learning how to use a computer to complete his schoolwork.

— Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026